Bruno Fernandes' hat-trick powers Manchester United to 5-2 comeback win over Ipswich

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to beat Ipswich 5-2 in a Premier League encounter on Sunday. The victory marked a strong response after United had lost their opening match 2-0 to Hull City, while Ipswich had won their first game against Sunderland.

Ipswich took the lead in the 26th minute when Leif Davis swept a cross into the net after Abdul Fatawu had beaten Luke Shaw for pace down the wing. Davis had a chance to double the lead moments later, but his effort was saved by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Fernandes equalised for United in the 40th minute, blasting home after Marcelino Nunez slipped and gifted possession to Matheus Cunha, who set up the captain. The goal came just before halftime and gave United momentum.

In the second half, United took control. In the 56th minute, a deflection off Harry Maguire's arm led to an own goal by Jacob Greaves, putting United ahead. The goal stood because the ball was heading off target before the deflection, so it was not deemed a handball leading directly to a goal.

Fernandes then completed his hat-trick with two more goals in the 61st and 68th minutes. The first came from the penalty spot after the own goal, and the second was a close-range finish after latching onto a deflected shot from Bryan Mbeumo. Fernandes also provided an assist for Mbeumo, who scored in the 81st minute to extend United's lead.

Ipswich pulled one back in stoppage time when Chuba Akpom tapped into an empty net after Julio Enciso dispossessed Lisandro Martinez, but it was too late to change the outcome.

The win saw United's manager Michael Carrick make four changes to the side that had lost to Hull, including handing Marcus Rashford his first league start since December 2024. Fernandes, who was crowned player of the year by his fellow professionals last season after setting a record of 21 Premier League assists, was the standout performer, nearly adding a fourth goal from halfway.

Player assessments

According to BBC Sport's player ratings, Fernandes received a perfect 10 for his performance. Senne Lammens was rated 8 for his saves, including one-on-one stops against Enciso. Harry Maguire also received an 8, described as a reliable presence at the heart of defence, though he was fortunate that his deflected goal was allowed to stand. Lisandro Martinez was rated 6 after his mistake led to Ipswich's late goal. Luke Shaw struggled against Fatawu and received a 5. Youri Tielemans was also rated 5, with the report noting he went down too easily in the penalty area. Marcelino Nunez's slip was described as "disastrous," while Sasa Lukic was praised as an "excellent addition" to Ipswich's ranks.

Outlook

Manchester United have now got their season up and running, while Ipswich will look to bounce back from their first defeat. The result leaves both teams with one win and one loss after two matches.