Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United cruised to a 5-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, their first win of the season. The performance underlined why keeping hold of the Portuguese midfielder was their best transfer business in recent times.
Fernandes at the heart of United's win
Before kick-off, the club paraded new signings Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, with the injured Baleba costing £70million. But it was two of last summer's marquee recruits, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who played influential roles in the win.
Fernandes had suggested after the Europa League final defeat to Spurs that it might be his last game for United, with interest from Al Hilal and lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. Just over a year on, and after winning the PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers Association awards, he remains United's captain, talisman, most creative player and best finisher.
Key moments in the match
Ipswich took the lead through Leif Davis, set up by Abdul Fatawu, who exposed Luke Shaw's declining recovery pace at left-back. United equalised when Marcelino Nunez slipped, allowing Cunha to send Fernandes clear, and the captain finished with a left-foot strike that surprised Kjell Scherpen.
Early in the second half, Harry Maguire clearly handled the ball before his hooked strike was diverted past his own keeper by Jacob Greaves. The own goal negated any offence in the eyes of VAR, a loophole that needs closing. Greaves then brought down Cunha, and Fernandes converted the penalty with ease.
United enjoy their day
Fernandes was first to react when Kobbie Mainoo's shot was deflected into a dangerous area, finishing calmly for his hat-trick. Ipswich got a late second from Chuba Akpom, but United were inspired by their skipper. Mbeumo added a fifth by lobbing the towering Ipswich keeper, making it another day that belonged to Bruno.
