Luke Shaw has run out of words to describe Bruno Fernandes but the left-back believes another Manchester United star was deserving of the player of the match award against Ipswich Town.
Captain Fernandes scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as United came from behind to win 5-2 at Old Trafford.
Yet Shaw singled out Kobbie Mainoo for his “world class” performance in midfield, describing the England international as a “real leader” after he returned to the starting XI.
Mainoo will face further pressure for a starting spot going forward once new signing Carlos Baleba is fit but Shaw was hugely impressed by his showing.
“I kind of run out of words to speak about Bruno to be honest, he is such a good player,” Shaw told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I would like to speak about Kobbie. I think today he was world class, so so good, the way he controlled the game and the way he drove us forward.
“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.”
United had to battle back from Leif Davis giving Ipswich a first-half lead but found a new gear once they took the lead.
Michael Carrick’s side ended up rampant to overcome last weekend’s opening defeat away to Hull City, though Shaw was willing to take the blame for his role in allowing Abdul Fatawu to cross for Davis’ opener.
“It was a really good day in the end,” Shaw added. “It was a tough week so we had to bounce back.
“I’m disappointed in myself for the first goal, someone with that experience I should be doing much better so I take responsibility for that. That’s not me and I was extremely disappointed with myself.
“The second half performance was us, there are lots of good things to take out of that and of course there are always things you can improve on. Today was really important to get the three points.
“It’s never nice when you lose a game, especially the first game of the season when there is a lot of optimism. The best thing to do is block out the noise and focus on ourselves. There’s lots of good things to take for it and push on.”
United are next in action away to Everton on Sunday, 6 September.
