After Manchester United’s important win over West Ham, Bruno Fernandes may have walked away with the Man of the Match award, but it was his humility in the post-match interview that truly captured attention. Despite scoring a goal and providing an assist, Fernandes downplayed his own impact and credited a teammate for doing the real heavy lifting.
“He deserves the Man of the Match more than me,” he admitted. “He did most of the work—I just got the credit.”
Though Fernandes didn’t mention the player by name, it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to recognize who he was referring to: 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder’s performance was a quiet masterclass—breaking up attacks, calmly transitioning play, and serving as the critical link between defense and attack.
Fernandes, ever the team player, doubled down on his praise. He acknowledged that while he contributed in the final third, Mainoo was the one keeping the team organized and composed in the middle of the park. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the kind of leadership Fernandes brings—not just by delivering on the pitch, but by recognizing and uplifting those around him.
Mainoo’s display against West Ham wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply effective. He boasted a 92% pass accuracy, won physical duels, made multiple tackles and interceptions, and constantly carried the ball under pressure to ease United’s build-up. In many ways, he was the foundation that allowed Fernandes to roam more freely and influence the game up top.
Fans and pundits alike were impressed by Fernandes’ comments. Some called it a true sign of leadership. Others, including former United stars, noted how rare it is for a captain to openly shine the spotlight on a less-heralded teammate. Michael Owen pointed out that Mainoo “ran the midfield,” while Roy Keane praised the teenager for weeks of top performances, declaring that he was probably the best player on the pitch that night.
With Mainoo stepping up and Fernandes showing belief in his abilities, a new dynamic seems to be forming in Manchester United’s midfield. Rúben Amorim may have stumbled upon a partnership built on complementary strengths—Fernandes as the creative force and Mainoo as the stabilizing presence. It’s a balance the team has sorely missed in recent seasons.
The question now is whether Amorim will trust this blossoming duo moving forward. With experienced midfielders like Casemiro and Eriksen facing uncertain roles, Mainoo’s emergence could shift United’s plans for the season.
Bruno’s public praise wasn’t just a kind gesture—it was a clear sign of how much he values what Mainoo brings to the team. For the young midfielder, it’s the kind of recognition that validates the hard, often thankless work done in the shadows. And if he keeps delivering performances like this, Mainoo won’t stay under the radar much longer.
