Bruno Fernandes produced yet another match-winning performance for Manchester United in their come-from-behind 5-2 win over Ipswich. The Premier League assist king could not depart without throwing one of those in too for United's fifth at Old Trafford. "I understand Bruno will be getting a lot of the credit but [Kobbie Mainoo] was immense," said Michael Carrick afterwards.
Fernandes was indeed the player of the match, but it was the performance of Mainoo against Ipswich that was most encouraging for United. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Carrick said the efforts of the young midfielder "underpinned the result of the team" and Mainoo certainly impressed. On a pitch packed with talent, he completed more dribbles than anyone else, used the ball smartly and produced three tackles too.
Interestingly, Mainoo's physicality stood out. His robustness in this particular game, controlling midfield, serves as a reminder that he is still only 21 years old. He has been around a long time already, had his ups and downs, but this is a player who can keep developing.
What he needs is time on the pitch after a World Cup in which he was a squad member for England but remained a spectator throughout. After a watching brief under Ruben Amorim at United too, there are signs that he can grow under Carrick. He will need to do so given the competition.
Carlos Baleba was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd before the game. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived too. That represents a major challenge for Mainoo to show that he belongs on the pitch.
"It is about trying to make the most of the combinations," said Carrick when discussing that midfield. But whatever combination works best for United in the long term, this performance from Mainoo was a step towards showing that he must be part of it.Adam Bate Chelsea supporters were thrilled by the speed and incisiveness of their side's attacks against Brighton. They scored four goals to add to their three against Fulham and could easily have had more.
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