Manchester United blew away Ipswich Town on a rainy evening at Old Trafford, registering a dominant 5-2 win.
Ipswich started strongly, taking the lead through Leif Davis. However, Bruno Fernandes stepped up to level the scoreline before the break.
In the second half, United looked like a different team, with Fernandes scoring two more and assisting another. The United skipper will get all the headlines, and deservedly so, but it would not be far-fetched to say he was not the best midfielder on the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo ran the show in Manchester United win
Kobbie Mainoo was excellent with the ball at his feet, moving sharply higher up the field, drawing countless fouls and finding his teammates in dangerous areas, including setting up Matheus Cunha’s penalty.
Out of possession, the Englishman, who was positioned deeper than Youri Tielemans, was defensively solid, combative, and covered plenty of ground.
The 20-year-old simply dictated the play against Ipswich, leaving fans to wonder what Thomas Tuchel was thinking during the World Cup.
Regardless, Mainoo’s teammates are well aware of his immense quality.
Luke Shaw showers praise on Kobbie Mainoo
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the much-needed win, Luke Shaw was praising Bruno Fernandes, but took a moment to underline Mainoo’s impact on the game.
“I would like to speak about Kobbie [Mainoo]. I think today he was world class, so, so good. The way he controlled the game and the way he drove us forward,” Shaw said.
“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. A real leader in that middle.”
Despite a big win, there is a lot to be concerned about for Carrick, especially at the back.
However, as far as United’s midfield is concerned, it might be United’s least worry, arguably for the first time since the United boss was featuring in the middle of the park over a decade ago.
Featured image by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
