Man Utd vs Ipswich: Rating Marcus Rashford and teammates following Red Devils’ big win
By Luke Oluoch, August 31, 2026While Bruno Fernandes stole the headlines with a breathtaking hat-trick in Manchester United’s 5–2 comeback victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the hallmark of the win was drawn up by United’s unsung, non-scoring heroes.
Beyond the captain’s stellar individual return, the performance was engine-roomed by the trio of Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, and Kobbie Mainoo, all of whom delivered standout displays despite remaining off the scoresheet.
Making his first Premier League start for United since December 2024 following his loan spell at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford was a constant thorn in Ipswich’s side, running the backline ragged.
Operating wide on the left, the English winger drove repeatedly at the visitors’ backline. He almost set up Bryan Mbeumo for a goal and was denied a brilliant solo effort in what could have been a moment of individual brilliance.
He was awarded a 7/10 rating by BBC Sport, a score mirrored by his attacking partner Matheus Cunha.
Cunha served as the crucial focal point in United’s attack, using his relentless energy and off-the-ball movement to unseat Ipswich’s initial defensive setup before both he and Rashford were withdrawn in the 80th minute to a warm Old Trafford ovation.
Mainoo impresses
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo provided a performance that split opinion among pundits but earned glowing praise from his manager. While BBC Sport handed the midfielder a 6/10 rating, citing occasional struggles against Ipswich’s rapid transitional runs, Sky Sports writers and head coach Michael Carrick viewed his outing as the structural anchor of the entire victory.
Carrick highlighted the youngster’s discipline after the match, stating that while he understood Fernandes would naturally grab the spotlight, Mainoo was immense and produced a display that truly underpinned the team’s result.
Mainoo’s strong showing comes at a pivotal moment as he looks to cement a permanent starting berth following a frustrating World Cup campaign with England.
United’s midfield depth
With competition in United’s midfield escalating following the arrival of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, as well as Carlos Baleba being unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd prior to kickoff, the fight for starting spots is fiercer than ever.
Addressing his midfield options, Carrick maintained that the coaching staff will focus on finding and maximising the best combinations among the squad’s talent as the campaign unfolds.
On the opposite side, Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen earned a match-high 8/10 rating despite conceding five goals, making several critical saves to keep the visitors competitive alongside early goalscorer Leif Davis and Julio Enciso.