Luke Shaw backs Kobbie Mainoo after Manchester United's 5-2 win

Luke Shaw said Kobbie Mainoo was Manchester United's real man of the match after Manchester United's 5-2 win over Ipswich at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick and added an assist, but Shaw used his post-match interview to put the spotlight on the midfielder instead.

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 today. A real leader in that middle." He also said Mainoo "was world class" and praised the way he "controlled the game" and "drove us forward."

Mainoo's performance in midfield

The numbers support Shaw's view. Mainoo finished with a 7.9 rating, won 9 of 12 duels and completed 4 dribbles. That is the kind of return that gives United control in the middle of the pitch, especially in a game where they needed a response after Leif Davis opened the scoring in the 29th minute after being set up by Abdul Fatawu.

Fernandes still dominated the match sheet. He scored 3 goals, took his tally to a hat-trick and delivered 1 assist, while Manchester United vs Ipswich ended 2-5 and brought United their first Premier League win of the season.

Shaw's own response after the opener

Shaw did not hide his own frustration with the first goal. Speaking to Metro, he said he was "a bit disappointed and angry" with himself after that moment, then added that United were "extremely happy with the team in the second half." He was substituted in the 74th minute and replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.

The fit with Mainoo is obvious enough from the evidence on the night. Shaw's praise was not a throwaway line after a big home win, because it matched the way United's midfield carried the game once they settled. United go away to Everton on Sunday, 6 September, and the question now is whether Mainoo keeps that starting role.