Fernandes outstanding, but Rooney thinks one Man Utd star was ‘head and shoulders above everyone’ vs Ipswich

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Utd Report

·31 August 2026

Fernandes outstanding, but Rooney thinks one Man Utd star was ‘head and shoulders above everyone’ vs Ipswich

Wayne Rooney singled out Kobbie Mainoo for his world-class showing in the middle of the park yesterday.

The youngster was rightfully restored to the starting XI as Manchester United claimed their first win of the campaign via a 5-2 triumph over Ipswich Town.

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What did Rooney have to say about Mainoo?

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Understandably, Bruno Fernandes notching a hat-trick meant that he claimed the Player of the Match award as well as the match ball at full-time.

Yet, Rooney is keen for Mainoo to also receive his flowers, as he said after the game (via The United Stand): “Kobbie Mainoo, I thought, was miles above everyone.

“His decision-making, his calmness on the ball, his knowing when to just inject a little few yards of pace to get past a player… I thought he was a breath of fresh air.

“I thought [Youri] Tielemans did well alongside him, to be honest, but Mainoo was head and shoulders above everyone tonight.”

When Kobbie Mainoo has started in the Premier League since Ruben Amorim's departure, Manchester United have: 13 wins ✅ 3 draws 🤝 1 loss ❌ When Mainoo hasn't started since Amorim's departure: 1 draw 🤝 2 losses ❌ Key for Manchester United 🔑
– Sunday, 30 August 2026

How Mainoo fared vs Ipswich

(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old recorded the most defensive contributions (14) and the most dribbles (four) of any player against the newly-promoted Tractor Boys, according to Fotmob.

In the 68 touches he made during his 80 minutes on the pitch, Mainoo completed a remarkable eight line-breaking passes and six passes into the final third, as well as two accurate long balls.

His defensive efforts included nine recoveries, three tackles and two interceptions

Mainoo’s heatmap vs Ipswich (Fotmob)

It marked Mainoo’s first start of the term, and it goes without saying that such a display will have cemented his spot for the foreseeable future, so it remains to be seen who out of Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba and Tielemans will be partnering the Carrington graduate most weeks – presumably the latter due to his experience.

Next up for the Reds is a trip to face Everton, who’ve won and drawn in their opening two fixtures, at Hill Dickinson Stadium.