Shaw backs Mainoo over hat-trick hero Fernandes as United's best in 5-2 Ipswich rout

Luke Shaw has handed Kobbie Mainoo his personal player of the match award from Manchester United’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, insisting the young midfielder outshone even hat-trick hero Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes was the obvious headline act, scoring three goals and adding an assist as United overturned a first-half deficit to run out comfortable winners. But Shaw, speaking after the match, was keen to redirect the spotlight toward Mainoo, who returned to the starting XI and produced what his teammate described as a “world class” display.

“I kind of run out of words to speak about Bruno to be honest, he is such a good player,” Shaw said. “I would like to speak about Kobbie. I think today he was world class, so so good, the way he controlled the game and the way he drove us forward. I know Bruno scored the hat-trick but I would put Mainoo down for man of the match. He is so young and it is such a joy to see him growing. For me he was phenomenal today. A real leader in that middle.”

The win was a necessary response after United’s opening-day defeat away to Hull City, and Shaw acknowledged the pressure the squad had felt going into the game. United were behind early when Leif Davis headed in after a cross from Abdul Fatawu, and Shaw was candid about his own responsibility for the goal.

“I’m disappointed in myself for the first goal, someone with that experience I should be doing much better so I take responsibility for that,” he said. “That’s not me and I was extremely disappointed with myself.”

Once United found their rhythm in the second half, however, Michael Carrick’s side were dominant. Shaw was encouraged by what the performance suggested about the squad’s character.

“The second half performance was us,” he added. “It’s never nice when you lose a game, especially the first game of the season when there is a lot of optimism. The best thing to do is block out the noise and focus on ourselves.”

Mainoo’s place in the side is not guaranteed for the long term. New signing Carlos Baleba is expected to push for a starting berth once fit, adding competition in central midfield. For now, though, Shaw’s endorsement underlines just how highly the 20-year-old is regarded within the dressing room.

United travel to Everton on Sunday, 6 September.