Mainoo: Hopefully it can go on to be an iconic picture

Images from both the front and back were shared by millions of supporters who were all excited by three young Reds with so much potential to fulfil. Shots of the celebrations were also splashed across sporting media around the world.

A trust in youth remains one of the pillars of United and that has been evident all season, with Erik ten Hag integrating a number of promising talents into the team.  

In his first big interview as a senior player, ‘Playing With Freedom’, Mainoo says he understands the reaction to those images and shares the universal enthusiasm. 

“Yeah, I kind of understand,” explains Kobbie with a smile, seated inside the Academy building at Carrington. “I mean, three young players with I believe bright futures and so hopefully it can go on to be an iconic picture and hopefully we can do great things for the club.”

Asked about his relationship with Alejandro and Rasmus, he continues: “Yeah, they're my boys, man. Obviously we're all young, so we're always together. We're always talking and stuff like that. I've known Garna a while now from the Academy. 

“We came off the bench against City [for our Under-18s debuts]. That was back when he didn't speak any English so we didn't really know him that well, but we have grown a great relationship, all three of us, so hopefully it can stay that way for the future.” 

Mainoo is not the only homegrown player in the current senior squad, of course. 

Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson have recently made appearances, alongside established Academy graduates Jonny Evans, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.  As Kobbie explains, it always helps to have familiar faces around you.

“Yeah, definitely. To have people going through similar things as you and that you've known for a while, obviously it makes the transition easier, but the senior players have been welcoming and helpful as well. So even without the young players, that would still be all right.”

Our interview took place after a coaching session with the Under-8s and, for Mainoo, it was a trip down memory lane to a time when he was forming what became lasting relationships. 

The Academy remains a conveyor belt of talent and, at the time of writing, 249 graduates have made senior debuts for the club, meaning we are on the brink of a historic milestone. “It's special for a club of this size, such a big club, to still trust the Academy and still put time and effort into developing young talents,” says Kobbie. 

“It's obviously an amazing thing to be a part of.”

QUICKFIRE Q&A

Read how Kobbie answered questions from our group of awestruck Under-9s...

How many goals have you scored in your whole life?
"That's a good one. That's a tough one. I know when I was like your guys’ age and a little bit older, I was a striker, so I would've scored a lot around then, but recently, not as many. But I'm trying to get back on the scoresheet a bit more."

How did it feel when you played at our age?
"It's the most fun age to play. I mean, so much freedom, just having fun, dribbling and just with my friends all the time. So a lot of fun. You should treasure it.

How old were you when you started playing football?
"I don't know, maybe three or four?"

Who is the best team-mate you’ve played with?
"I would say Bruno. Bruno is a top player. Casemiro as well."

Who is your idol?
"Growing up it was Ronaldinho. He’s my favourite player."

What is your favourite goal?
"Wolves. Wolves, definitely."

When you first started playing at Old Trafford, how did you feel?
"Yeah, it was an amazing feeling. I mean, to have all the fans and obviously I've been watching games at Old Trafford for a long time, so to finally be on the pitch, it's an amazing feeling." 

How did it feel when you played your first game?
"Obviously a bit nervous, but when you get on the pitch and you're playing the game that you've always played, it's just great to be doing that at the top level."

Who did you play for as a kid?
"I played for Cheadle and Gatley, and Failsworth Dynamos."

Who was your best friend at United?
"Like now? Yeah. I would say Garnacho or Amad."

What would be your biggest bit of advice for young players?
"Just keep enjoying it. I mean, play with the same freedom that you do now and just keep enjoying the game because it doesn't change that much. And so what you're doing now and the way you love the game, you love playing with your friends, just keep that same feeling and that feeling towards the game and about football."