Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford nominated for Manchester United August Player of the Month
By Joel Masibo, September 2, 2026Manchester United have shortlisted Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford for the club’s Player of the Month award for August 2026.
The three players impressed during a month in which United played only two competitive matches, with much of the attention surrounding their emphatic 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 31, 2026.
United began the campaign with a disappointing defeat away to Hull City but recovered strongly against Ipswich. Despite falling behind to Leif Davis’s first-half goal, Michael Carrick’s side produced an impressive comeback to secure all three points.
Fernandes leads the nominees
Captain Bruno Fernandes, who was also named the Premier League match-week 2 Player of the Week, is among the leading contenders after delivering a spectacular display against Ipswich.
The Portuguese midfielder was named Player of the Match after scoring a hat-trick and setting up Bryan Mbeumo, whose lob completed United’s five-goal haul.
The treble was Fernandes’ third for the club and came at an early stage of the new campaign. His goalscoring form has also placed him at the top of the league scoring standings.
Fernandes enters the new season having already cemented his place in United history after breaking the division’s all-time assists record during the 2025/26 campaign.
Mainoo makes impressive return
Kobbie Mainoo is the second nominee after producing an influential performance on his return to competitive action.
The Academy graduate was making his first start for either club or country since May and immediately made his presence felt in midfield.
Mainoo’s energetic display earned widespread praise, with supporters giving him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 80th minute. Carrick subsequently described the midfielder’s performance as “immense”.
Rashford back at Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford completes the shortlist after making his first appearance at Old Trafford since December 2024.
The forward, now wearing United’s number nine shirt, looked comfortable on his return to the famous stadium and caused constant problems for the Ipswich defence.
Rashford recorded seven touches inside the visitors’ penalty area and attempted four shots, with two forcing saves from Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
United supporters now have the opportunity to choose their preferred Player of the Month through the club’s online poll.
The winner is expected to be announced this weekend, before United travel to face Everton in their next Premier League assignment.