Kobbie Mainoo is convinced Manchester United can beat Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
Kobbie Mainoo is confident Manchester United have a ‘real chance’ against Manchester City and will be ‘coming to win’ the FA Cup final, despite the odds being stacked against them.
United have endured an immensely disappointing season, finishing rock-bottom of their Champions League group before ending the top-flight campaign down in eighth place – their worst ever showing in the Premier League era.
However, the Red Devils will be aiming to end the season on a high when they take to the field against their noisy neighbours at Wembley, in what is a repeat of last year’s cup final – which ended 2-1 to City.
The latest reports indicate that Erik ten Hag will be sacked by United regardless of the result, but the Dutchman dismissed the speculation at his pre-match press conference, keen to keep his focus on purely footballing matters ahead the all-important clash.
United have the added stress of having to win tomorrow afternoon in order to seal a spot in next year’s Europa League after Newcastle pipped them to seventh place in the league.
But Mainoo, 19, who has burst onto the scene this term, is adamant that United can deal with the pressure and get their hands on the trophy, despite City flexing their muscles with a fourth straight Premier League title last weekend.
‘We’re not coming to take part, we are coming to win,’ the young United and England midfielder told The Daily Mirror.
Ten Hag will be axed after the cup final (Picture: Getty)
‘We know they’re doing amazing at the moment, but we have to prepare as best we can to give ourselves the best chance of winning.
‘We have a good team spirit, players who can lead the team and who can bring real energy.
‘In a final, anything can happen and with the fans we have, I feel like we can give ourselves a real chance.’
City sealed a fourth straight Premier League title last weekend (Picture: Getty)
Twelve months ago, Ilkay Gundogan scored two goals at Wembley – the first coming after only 12 seconds – to inspire City to victory over United and Mainoo is keen to get revenge for the painful defeat.
Asked whether United have a score to settle after last year’s final, Mainoo bluntly replied: ‘Yeah. 100 per cent.’
United were dealt a major blow this week as Harry Maguire was ruled out of the Wembley showpiece through injury, but Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial and Mason Mount are all in line to feature after returning to training.
Mainoo, who was named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad this month, reserved special praise for Ten Hag ahead of what will be the Dutchman’s last match in charge of the Red Devils.
‘Obviously he’s my first manager that I’ve played under,’ the teenager added.
‘He’s always helped me and given me tips and put an arm around me and protected me as well.
‘You know a young player coming into a United team is always tough.’
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