Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, giving Michael Carrick’s side their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 season.

United needed a response after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend. They initially appeared to be heading for another frustrating afternoon when Ipswich took the lead, but Fernandes eventually turned the game around with three goals and an assist.

Carrick made four changes to the team that started against Hull, including handing Marcus Rashford his first United start in more than two years. Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting line-up as United looked to produce a stronger performance.

The changes initially did little to prevent Ipswich from causing problems.

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was called into action early when Julio Enciso broke through following an Ipswich counter-attack from a United corner. Lammens stood up well to deny the forward in a one-on-one situation.

Ipswich eventually made their pressure count in the 29th minute.

Abdul Fatawu accelerated past Luke Shaw before delivering a dangerous cross into the United penalty area. Leif Davis produced an excellent finish, sending the ball high into the net to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.

Davis had an opportunity to double Ipswich’s advantage moments later, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Lammens.

United gradually began to regain control and found their equaliser before half-time after a costly Ipswich mistake.

Marcelino Núñez stumbled in possession, allowing Matheus Cunha to collect the loose ball and find Fernandes. The United captain showed excellent composure before firing past the Ipswich goalkeeper with his left foot.

The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest, and United returned from the interval with considerably more attacking intent.

The hosts took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through a goal that generated considerable discussion.

Harry Maguire attempted to finish from inside the area and the ball appeared to strike his arm before his effort eventually deflected off Jacob Greaves and into the Ipswich net.

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The goal was checked because of the contact with Maguire’s arm, but it was allowed to stand because the ball did not directly enter the net from the United defender’s arm. Greaves was credited with an own goal.

Ipswich were then punished again when Greaves brought down Matheus Cunha as the United forward charged towards goal.

Fernandes stepped forward and confidently converted the resulting penalty to extend United’s lead to 3-1.

The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards, reacting quickest to a deflected Mbeumo effort and finishing from close range.

The treble was Fernandes’ second Premier League hat-trick, having previously scored three goals against Leeds United.

It also underlined his importance to United after another outstanding individual campaign last season. Fernandes was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year after helping United finish third in the Premier League and providing 21 assists.

Against Ipswich, however, the captain was the primary match-winner, combining his creativity with ruthless finishing.

Fernandes then added an assist to his three goals.

The midfielder produced an excellent pass over the top of the Ipswich defence for Bryan Mbeumo, who raced onto the ball before lifting his finish over goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to make it 5-1.

Ipswich managed to score a second goal in stoppage time after a defensive error from United.

Julio Enciso intercepted a pass from Lisandro Martínez and played the ball into the path of substitute Chuba Akpom, who calmly tapped into an unguarded net.

The goal reduced the deficit but could not change the outcome, as United comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure all three points.

Despite the emphatic victory, Carrick will be aware that there are still defensive issues to address.

Ipswich created several openings, particularly before United established control, while mistakes in possession gave the visitors opportunities to punish the hosts. Lammens also made important saves that prevented the game from becoming more difficult for United.

However, United’s attacking improvement was clear.

Rashford’s return to the starting line-up provided another attacking option, while Mainoo brought greater energy to midfield. Cunha was also influential in the build-up to several key moments, including the equaliser and the penalty.

Most importantly, Fernandes once again delivered when United needed their captain to take responsibility.

The victory gives Carrick an important early boost after the disappointment of the Hull defeat and demonstrates the attacking potential available to his team.

For Ipswich, the result was a harsh setback after a promising first half in which O’Neil’s side competed strongly and deservedly took the lead.

The visitors were ultimately unable to cope with United’s attacking quality after the break, particularly Fernandes, whose three goals completely changed the contest.

United will now hope the victory can provide the foundation for a more consistent start to the season.

For Fernandes, meanwhile, the message was clear: after an opening-day setback, the United captain responded in the strongest possible fashion.

Three goals, one assist and a 5-2 victory ensured that Manchester United’s Premier League campaign finally got moving in emphatic fashion.

Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man United to thrash Ipswich 5-2