Bruno Fernandes scored three times as Manchester United recovered from an early setback to claim an emphatic 5-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town.
Ipswich arrived with confidence after beating Sunderland on their return to the top flight and made the stronger start at Old Trafford. Leif Davis opened the scoring with an excellent half-volley after Abdul Fatawu created the opportunity with a dangerous run down the wing.
United quickly transformed the contest after an Ipswich mistake. Marcelino Nunez lost his footing as the visitors tried to defend a corner, allowing the hosts to launch a counter-attack. Matheus Cunha found Fernandes, who finished the move to bring United level.
The home side soon moved ahead in unusual circumstances. Harry Maguire’s effort took a decisive deflection off Jacob Greaves and went down as an own goal. Although the ball had struck Maguire’s arms earlier in the move, the goal stood because the defender was not ultimately credited as the scorer.
Greaves endured another difficult moment just three minutes later when he brought down Cunha inside the penalty area. Fernandes converted the resulting spot-kick to give United firm control.
The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick after Ipswich struggled to clear another spell of pressure. Attempts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo were both blocked before Fernandes reacted quickest to score his third.
Fernandes then turned creator, sending Mbeumo through with a pass over the Ipswich defence. The forward’s shot struck the crossbar before bouncing over the goal line, extending United’s advantage to 5-1.
Ipswich managed to reduce the deficit late in the game. Julio Enciso pulled the ball back into the area for half-time substitute Chuba Akpom, who finished to make the final score 5-2.
The result capped a dominant response from Manchester United after falling behind, with Fernandes at the centre of the turnaround through his hat-trick and involvement in Mbeumo’s goal.