Man Utd vs Ipswich reaction: Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires first Premier League win
A Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a 5-2 comeback victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, giving Michael Carrick's side their first Premier League win of the season.
Man United had endured a difficult opening weekend defeat to newly promoted Hull City, and another promoted side initially threatened to compound their problems when Leif Davis put Ipswich ahead after 29 minutes.
However, Fernandes levelled before half-time after Matheus Cunha capitalised on Marcelino Nunez's mistake, setting the platform for a dominant second-half display.
Fernandes leads the comeback
The captain completed his hat-trick after the break, first converting from the penalty spot after Jacob Greaves brought down Cunha before finishing his third in the 68th minute.
Greaves had earlier turned Harry Maguire's effort into his own net to put Man United ahead, with VAR confirming the goal despite a handball by Maguire.
The decision was upheld because the handball was accidental and Maguire was not the player who ultimately scored.
Bryan Mbeumo then added a fifth after being played through by Fernandes, who finished the afternoon with four goal involvements.
Fernandes - Man Utd’s most valuable asset
The performance came just days after Fernandes collected the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, following a season in which he also broke the Premier League's long-standing assist record.
His latest display underlined his importance to Carrick's side.
Carrick was pleased with the response following the disappointment at Hull but insisted there is still considerable room for improvement.
"We're not getting carried away. We weren't overly down last week, everything wasn't wrong."
The United boss also praised Fernandes' quality and leadership, while highlighting the midfield contribution of Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha.
Carrick sees room for improvement
The result was emphatic, but Man United were not flawless.
Ipswich created opportunities before taking the lead, while Carrick's side conceded again in stoppage time when Chuba Akpom capitalised on a defensive mistake.
Nevertheless, the 5-2 victory represented a significant response to the Hull defeat.
Man United registered 33 shots, their highest total in a Premier League match since 2016, while Fernandes' four goal contributions provided the cutting edge their attack lacked in Gameweek one.
For Carrick, the challenge now is turning Sunday's attacking confidence into consistency as the season progresses.
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