Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes produced a masterclass performance at Old Trafford, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to lead his side to a resounding 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, kick-start their 2026/2027 Premier League campaign.
Michael Carrick’s side needed a response following a disappointing opening-day defeat to Hull City, and the afternoon initially brought anxiety when Leif Davis fired newly-promoted Ipswich into a 29th-minute lead.
However, the tide turned before the interval when a defensive error allowed Matheus Cunha to set up Fernandes, who rifled home a powerful left-footed equaliser in the 40th minute. 1-1!!
United seized complete control in a devastating second-half spell. Harry Maguire forced an own goal from Jacob Greaves in the 56th minute to put the hosts ahead.
Then Fernandes clinically converted from the penalty spot just five minutes later after a Manchester United player was brought down in the box
Manchester United continued to push forward and were rewarded again.
The Portuguese playmaker sealed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, reacting quickest in the box to finish off a loose ball.
Bryan Mbeumo added a fifth for the Red Devils in the 82nd minute, cleverly lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper after being picked out by a sublime through-ball from Fernandes.
Though Ipswich grabbed a late consolation goal through Chuba Akpom in stoppage time, the afternoon belonged firmly to United as they secured their first three points of the season in style.
“He means a lot,” Manchester United manager Micheal Carrick said. “He’s been here for a good number of years now. He’s experienced a whole load of different emotions and different things.
“He’s got a lot of experience now to pass on to others and show them the way a little bit and lead by example and help them in different moments…”
“…And times like today, when you’re looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else — he did that today particularly well,” he mentioned.
Sunday’s display was a continuation of his excellent form from last season, when he flourished under Carrick after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, thriving with the freedom to roam between the lines and dictate matches.
Sunday’s Premier League results
Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
Leeds 1-1 Brentford
Sunderland 1-0 Fulham
Manchester United 5-2 Ipswich.
