Luke Shaw has named Kobbie Mainoo as his player of the match for Manchester United's 5-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. The left-back made his pick despite Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in the comeback victory.
This result leaves Ipswich Town ninth in the Premier League with three points from one win and no draws. They have scored two goals and conceded one, giving them a plus-one goal difference. The Tractor Boys are three points behind early leaders Manchester City.
What did Luke Shaw say about the Man of the Match?
Shaw was clear in his assessment after the final whistle. "I know Bruno scored the hat-trick but I would put Mainoo down for man of the match," the defender stated. He did acknowledge Fernandes's incredible contribution. "I kind of run out of words to speak about Bruno to be honest, he is such a good player."
The England midfielder returned to the starting lineup for this match and delivered a commanding performance in the center of the park. Shaw's endorsement highlights the all-round impact Mainoo had, which perhaps went beyond the goalscoring exploits of his captain. This perspective was reported by Independent Football.
How did the match against Manchester United unfold?
Ipswich Town took a surprise first-half lead through defender Leif Davis. The goal came from a cross provided by Abdul Fatawu, catching the United defense off guard. Luke Shaw himself took responsibility for the concession, admitting his role in the defensive lapse.
Manchester United responded emphatically after falling behind. Bruno Fernandes led the charge with three goals and an assist, turning the game completely on its head. The 5-2 scoreline reflected a dominant second-half display from the home side, bouncing back from an opening day loss away to Hull City.
What is the context for Ipswich Town's season?
The defeat at Old Trafford was Ipswich's second game of the 2026-27 Premier League season. Their campaign began with a win, but this loss shows the challenge of competing away at traditional top-six grounds. The team's next league fixture is a significant test away to Brighton, who currently sit fifth in the table, on December 19th.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges, including that Brighton trip, on our fixtures page. The current standings show a tightly packed early season table where every point matters.
Where does this leave Ipswich Town moving forward?
The performance, despite the scoreline, had positive elements. Taking the lead at Old Trafford is an achievement in itself. The attacking combination that created Davis's goal shows promise. However, conceding five goals will be a concern for the coaching staff as they analyze the match.
The focus now shifts to preparation for the next match. Maintaining a strong home record will be important for Ipswich's ambitions this season. The squad depth and tactical flexibility will be tested throughout a long campaign, and details on player availability are always kept updated on our injuries section. The immediate task is to regroup from this defeat and build on the positive start to the season.
