Kobbie Mainoo opens up on iconic goal celebration with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund and admits he gategrashed Argentine's plan to mimic Cristiano Ronaldo

The young trio sat on an advertising board after Garnacho scored against West Ham in February, making for an iconic photo which offered hope for the future during an otherwise awful season for United. But Mainoo revealed that the celebration was not planned, as Garnacho copied his idol Cristiano Ronaldo with the celebration.

"I always ask Garna before the game what's the celebration gonna be if he scores. And he said he wasn't gonna tell me. So he was like: 'I'm not telling you, I'm not telling you.' So I'm like: 'Okay.' I saw him jump up on the advertising board when he scored and me and Rasmus just jumped up there with him," Mainoo told reporters. "He wanted it for himself! But we jumped in there and it was a nice picture. All of us young guys, with Amad as well, we have a lot of fun together and we've definitely grown close this season."

Mainoo has had a stunning breakthrough season with United despite being forced to miss the start of the campaign after injuring his ankle in pre-season. He made his debut against Everton in November and his consistent performances since have led to him quickly locking down his place in Erik ten Hag's starting line-up and then earning a call-up to the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.

"Obviously I got the injury but it’s happened so quickly. It’s been a season of ups and downs but to end it with another final is still a dream come true as a boyhood fan of the club," he said. "Back then I wasn’t even thinking about England, I was just thinking about getting fit and getting back in the squad really, not even the starting XI."

Mainoo admitted that United are motivated by thoughts of revenge as they prepare to meet Manchester City in the FA Cup final, one year after losing to their neighbours at Wembley. He said: "Yeah 100%. We are not coming to take part, we are coming to win and we know they are doing amazing at the moment but we have to prepare as best we can to give ourselves the best chance of winning."

United have lifted their spirits by winning their final two games of the season against Newcastle and Brighton and they have eased their injury crisis, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford all returning. And Mainoo is convinced they can cause a surprise against the Premier League champions.

"It's been tough the last couple of games, we have taken some good results and we have take that in to the game," he said. "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."