A Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, securing Michael Carrick’s side their first Premier League win of the season after an early scare.
United fell behind in the 29th minute when Leif Davis finished high into the net after Abdul Fatawu had beaten Luke Shaw down the flank. The hosts had also been tested by Julio Enciso and Daizen Maeda before Fernandes restored parity shortly before half-time.
The United captain capitalised after Matheus Cunha dispossessed Marcelino Nunez, sweeping a left-footed finish past the Ipswich goalkeeper to level the contest.
Manchester United moved ahead after the interval when Harry Maguire’s effort was diverted into his own net by Jacob Greaves. Fernandes then converted from the penalty spot after Cunha was brought down, despite having missed twice from 12 yards during pre-season.
Fernandes completed his treble in the 68th minute, calmly slotting home to put United in control. The Portugal international then turned provider, sending Bryan Mbeumo through to lob the goalkeeper and make it 5-1.
Chuba Akpom pulled one back for Ipswich in stoppage time, but the goal could not alter the outcome as United recovered convincingly from their opening-weekend defeat by Hull City.
The result gave Carrick his first league win of the campaign, while Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil was left to reflect on a collapse after his side had initially threatened to claim a notable result at Old Trafford.
