Bruno Fernandes was unstoppable with a hattrick and one assist as Manchester United claimed a massive 5-2 victory against Ipswich Town to get their first three points of the season.
The Old Trafford club bounced back in style with a thrilling victory at home. After suffering defeat in their opening Premier League game of the season, Michael Carrick’s side delivered an attacking masterclass.
Ipswich started the game with confidence and stunned the home crowd when Leif Davis found the net to put the visitors ahead 0-1 in the 29th minute of play.
United looked shaky at the back during the opening stages and the visitors threatened to increase their advantage with several dangerous attacks as play carried on.
However, Manchester United gradually settled into the match and began to control possession. Their pressure finally paid off in the 40th minute when Bruno Fernandes produced a superb finish to level the score at 1-1.
The goal came after a costly mistake from the away side midfield, allowing United to launch a quick counterattack which saw Cunha making the assist. Fernandes remained calm and fired past the goalkeeper to restore parity before the break.
The second half belonged almost entirely to Manchester United. Just minutes after the restart, the Red Devils took the lead 2-1 through a controversial goal that was eventually recorded as an own goal by Jacob Greaves in the 56th minute.
The ball appeared to touch Harry Maguire’s hand during the build-up, but VAR confirmed the goal because the handball was accidental and the defender was not the final goalscorer.
That goal changed the momentum completely as the visitors struggled to recover, while United attacked with greater confidence and intensity. Bruno Fernandes then grabbed his second goal of the afternoon from the penalty spot.
The Portuguese midfielder showed his usual composure and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to extend United’s advantage 3-1 in the 61st minute. The goal further energized the Old Trafford crowd and gave the hosts full control of the contest.
Fernandes completed his hat-trick later in the match with another clinical finish, capping a memorable individual performance as the scoreline turned 4-1 in the 68th minute.
The midfielder was involved in almost every dangerous United attack and proved once again why he remains one of the club’s most important players.
Bryan Mbeumo also got on the scoresheet with a fine goal as Manchester United continued to dominate. His strike in the 82nd minute made it 5-1 and effectively ended any hopes of an Ipswich comeback.
Mbeumo’s movement and creativity caused problems throughout the game. The aways side managed to score a late consolation goal through Chuba Akpom in stoppage time after taking advantage of a defensive mistake that made it 5-2.
While it reduced the deficit, it did little to change the outcome as Manchester United comfortably saw out the remaining minutes 5-2 without needing to do much for themselves.
The result gives the devil’s their first Premier League victory of the new season and provides a major confidence boost after last week’s disappointing loss to newly promoted Hull City.
Carrick will be pleased with the attacking display, especially the performance of Fernandes, who delivered when his team needed him most. However, it won’t be the same for Ipswich Town, as they suffered defeat.
They competed well during the first half and showed plenty of attacking intent. However, defensive mistakes and a lack of concentration after halftime proved costly against a Manchester United side full of quality.
In the end, Old Trafford witnessed an entertaining seven-goal contest, with Bruno Fernandes stealing the headlines as the home team secured an impressive 5-2 win to kick-started their Premier League season in style.