Man Utd spent £155m creating midfield for future… but Kobbie Mainoo proves his new contract was biggest deal of summer

THE Old Trafford stadium announcer introduced one of the starters as “Manchester born and bred”. It was not Marcus Rashford. That was Kobbie Mainoo’s privilege. Mainoo, recalled after the aberration at Hull, underpinned United’s recovery against Ipswich Town with a performance worthy of the man of the match. Kobbie Mainoo ran the show for Manchester United in their 5-2 win over Ipswich Credit: Alamy The England star helped United recover from 1-0 down Credit: Alamy For all the three midfielders United have signed for £155million this summer, their biggest midfield signing this year was Mainoo’s five-year contract. On the one occasion Mainoo was unavailable for Michael Carrick last season, United lost to Leeds. Against Ipswich, he outshone new partner Youri Tielemans with a fleet-footed performance that blew away any World Cup cobwebs. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! The Stretford End serenaded Mainoo loudly as United homed in on victory. There is a particular fondness for an academy graduate born in the City stronghold of Stockport. Marcus Rashford used to be the Mancunian reds’ poster boy. He may adorn the bedroom walls of young United supporters again. This was Rashford’s first United start in 637 days. He emerged for the Premier League anthem with his niece in his arms, a reminder of how much of a family affair United is for the Rashfords of Wythenshawe. Benjamin Sesko’s handful of minutes since he aggravated a shin injury on May 3 ensured Rashford was first in line to replace the unconvincing Patrick Dorgu. United got an immediate upgrade. Rashford and Matheus Cunha, handed the No.10 when Rashford was still at United last year, quickly struck up a promising rapport. Cunha high-fived Rashford for teeing him up for an early sighter and the link-up play between United’s new ‘9’ and ‘10’ was encouraging. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Rashford was impressively denied twice by Ipswich ‘keeper Kjell Scherpen yet his most profound impact came in his own half. With the game 15 minutes old, Rashford regained the ball inside his own half. The rapturous reaction rivalled Rashford’s last goals at Old Trafford almost 21 months ago. Any lingering friction between player and matchgoers was extinguished. Rashford’s work ethic was certainly questionable during his 18 months at United before Ruben Amorim ostracised him. Rashford was so switched on that Bruno Fernandes granted him the privilege of a free kick that was blazed into the protective netting. United only confirmed Rashford’s new squad number last week, which may have accounted for the lack of ‘Rashford 9’ shirts inside or outside Old Trafford. Cannily, Carrick substituted Mainoo and Rashford at the same time with the game won. Supporters were already on their feet, putting their hands together for Mainoo, and the applause continued for Rashford’s admirable shift. Having two Mancunian academy graduates in the United starting XI cannot be underestimated when rookies were occasionally its only representative in squads last year. The United fans’ favourite remains their best player. Fernandes’ name was chanted more often and more loudly than any of his teammates. Fernandes was crucial for United as his brilliant hat-trick saved the day Credit: Getty The Portugal playmaker’s name was the name on everyone’s lips inside Old Trafford Credit: Getty The August date for the PFA Player of the Year awards is illogical and there was a risk of United already dwelling on the past with more recognition for Fernandes. As if to remind everyone he was the deserving recipient, Fernandes hit a third hat-trick for the club and his second in the opening Old Trafford fixture of a season. His goals – the equaliser and clincher – were more leverage for Fernandes to be put on a salary that trumps Rashford’s. For now, United’s best player is not the best paid. The attack was always bound to be untouched by United in the event that there were no takers for Rashford. The clamour for a reinforcement at the other end will intensify, though. Yesteryear, a player who had served United for 12 years would have contributed to a period of success. Luke Shaw defies that assumption. Shaw’s approval ratings were high after he started every Premier League game in 2025-26 yet the reality is he has entered the final year of his contract and United want a new left back. Recruiting one is more urgent after the livewire Abdul Fatawu sped past Shaw and stayed ahead of him. Shaw will not forget Fatawu’s name after he crossed for Leif Davis to put Ipswich ahead. The issue United have is they have dawdled for so long over whether to recruit a new left back that even if they do so before Tuesday’s 11pm it will look reactionary. Left-back is a position that needs strengthening after Luke Shaw was skinned by Fatawu for 1-0 Credit: Getty Shaw is starting his 13th season with United Credit: Reuters They must also ensure if they do bring in anyone it does not compromise a move for a more esteemed left back next year. Lewis Hall, their preferred target, may be easier to prise from Newcastle in 2027. Shaw started the second half with a firm and fair tackle on Fatawu, who milked its force. Lisandro Martinez, sensing fragility, high-fived him. It is not particularly progressive for United that they have settled with Shaw as a certain starter devoid of competition for now. Shaw avoided celebrating the Jacob Greaves own goal – not out of uncertainty VAR would chalk it off – and received a sympathetic arm around the shoulder from Carrick. When Shaw was removed with United’s comeback complete, Noussair Mazraoui – a right back – replaced him. The applause was not as loud as it was for Mainoo and Rashford. Comment now