Bruno Fernandes’ hattrick proved decisive as Manchester United recovered from an early setback to defeat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, giving the hosts a much-needed first win of the Premier League campaign.
The United captain, who was named the PFA men’s Player of the Year earlier in the week, delivered a commanding individual performance as his side transformed a difficult opening half into a comfortable victory. Ipswich had arrived at Old Trafford with confidence after beating Sunderland on their return to the Premier League, but United’s attacking quality eventually overwhelmed the visitors.
For Michael Carrick, the result provides an encouraging response after a disappointing opening-day defeat, while Fernandes once again demonstrated why he remains such an influential figure at the club.
Ipswich made the better start and deservedly took the lead in the 29th minute.
Abdul Fatawu produced excellent work on the wing before creating the opportunity for Leif Davis, who met the delivery with a superb half-volley that flew beyond the United goalkeeper. It was a high-quality finish and gave the visitors belief that they could cause another major upset.
United, however, responded before the interval.
Fernandes changed the game for Manchester United
The turning point arrived after Marcelino Nunez slipped while Ipswich attempted to defend a corner. United immediately exploited the mistake, breaking forward with pace before Matheus Cunha found Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder made no mistake, calmly finishing to bring United level in the 40th minute.
That goal completely altered the momentum of the match. United returned for the second half with far greater confidence, and Ipswich soon found themselves unable to contain the hosts.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute, although there was an element of fortune involved.
Harry Maguire’s effort took a deflection off Jacob Greaves and ended up in the back of the net. There was some controversy surrounding the goal because the ball appeared to strike Maguire’s arms during the build-up, but the officials allowed it to stand because the United defender was not the player who ultimately scored.
The goal gave United the lead for the first time, and Fernandes soon extended it from the penalty spot.
Greaves, who had already been involved in the own goal, brought down Cunha inside the area five minutes later. The referee pointed to the spot, leaving Fernandes with the responsibility.
The captain made no mistake.
He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-1 and put United firmly in control.
Bruno Fernandes’ hattrick plus assist did the job for United
Bruno Fernandes’ hattrick was completed in the 68th minute, capping a remarkable period of dominance from the hosts.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo both saw their efforts blocked, but Fernandes reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired home his third goal of the afternoon.
It was the type of opportunistic finish that underlined the midfielder’s importance to United. He was not simply involved in creating chances; he was constantly alert to opportunities around the penalty area and punished Ipswich whenever the visitors failed to clear their lines.
Fernandes then turned creator for United’s fifth.
The captain spotted Mbeumo making a run behind the Ipswich defence and delivered an excellent ball over the top. Mbeumo raced through and struck his effort against the crossbar, but the ball spun down over the line to give United a 5-1 advantage.
By then, the contest was effectively over.
Ipswich did manage to add a second goal deep into stoppage time. Julio Enciso produced a neat cutback for substitute Chuba Akpom, who finished to give the travelling supporters something to celebrate.
The late goal, however, did little to change the overall picture.
Man Utd’s first win provides Carrick with a boost
The victory represents an important psychological boost for United after their difficult start to the campaign.
Ipswich had shown enough in the opening stages to suggest that another frustrating afternoon could be developing at Old Trafford, particularly after Davis’ excellent opener. United responded with character, however, and once Fernandes found the equaliser, the hosts gradually took complete control.
For Carrick, the biggest positive will be the manner in which his team responded to adversity. United did not allow Ipswich’s early goal to dictate the remainder of the contest, instead increasing the intensity and making better use of their attacking players.
Cunha was influential in the comeback, contributing an assist and winning the penalty, while Mbeumo also made a significant contribution with the fifth goal.
But the afternoon belonged unmistakably to Fernandes.
His three goals demonstrated his finishing ability, while his assist for Mbeumo’s goal showed that his influence extends far beyond scoring. Coming so soon after being recognized as the PFA’s best men’s player, the performance offered another reminder of why United continue to rely so heavily on their captain.
The result also provides Carrick with valuable momentum heading into the next round of fixtures.
United still have plenty to improve, particularly after allowing Ipswich to create opportunities early in the match, but a five-goal performance at Old Trafford is exactly the kind of response the manager will have wanted.
For Fernandes, meanwhile, this was another spectacular afternoon in a United shirt. Bruno Fernandes’ hattrick turned a potentially uncomfortable contest into a convincing victory and ensured Man Utd’s first win of the season arrived in emphatic fashion.
