Fernandes Hits Hat-Trick as Man United Thrash Ipswich 5-2

Bruno Fernandes produced a sensational display as Manchester United came from behind to defeat Ipswich Town 5-2 and get their Premier League campaign back on track on Sunday.

United looked set for another difficult afternoon after Leif Davis gave the visitors the lead, but Fernandes restored parity before half-time before playing a central role in a second-half rout.

The Portuguese midfielder converted a penalty after Jacob Greaves put through his own net before completing his hat-trick from close range.

Fernandes then turned provider, setting up Bryan Mbeumo for United’s fifth goal as Michael Carrick’s side secured a convincing victory.

The win came after United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hull City the previous weekend, with Carrick making four changes to his starting line-up.

Marcus Rashford was handed his first United start in almost two years, while Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting XI.

The changes brought greater attacking threat, although United once again relied heavily on Fernandes to provide the decisive moments in front of goal.

However, defensive concerns remained.

Senne Lammens was forced into an important one-on-one save from Julio Enciso after the Ipswich forward broke clear from a United corner.

Ipswich eventually took the lead in the 29th minute.

Abdul Fatawu raced past Luke Shaw before delivering a cross that Davis brilliantly swept into the top corner.

Davis was presented with an opportunity to double Ipswich’s advantage shortly afterwards, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved by Lammens.

United responded through Fernandes after Marcelino Nunez slipped and gifted possession to Matheus Cunha.

Cunha quickly found Fernandes, who fired into the net with his weaker left foot to level the contest.

The visitors suffered another setback 11 minutes into the second half.

Harry Maguire’s effort struck his arm before the ball deflected into the net off Greaves. The goal was allowed to stand because the shot was heading off target and the ball did not enter the net directly from the handball.

Greaves then compounded Ipswich’s problems when he brought down Cunha inside the box as the United forward raced towards goal.

Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to put United ahead.

The captain completed his hat-trick when he reacted quickest to Mbeumo’s deflected effort and finished from close range.

Fernandes was named last season’s Premier League Player of the Year by his fellow professionals earlier in the week, having recorded a league-high 21 assists despite scoring only nine goals.

He is already showing signs of improving on that scoring record this season.

The Portuguese midfielder capped his outstanding performance with another assist, sending a superb pass over the top for Mbeumo, who raced through before lifting the ball over Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to make it 5-1.

United’s defensive frailties resurfaced late in the game when Lisandro Martinez was caught in possession by Enciso.

The Ipswich forward squared the ball to Chuba Akpom, who tapped into an empty net in stoppage time.

The consolation did little to change the outcome as United secured a five-goal haul and a much-needed Premier League victory.

For Fernandes, it was a match-winning individual performance that underlined his importance to Carrick’s side, while United’s attacking display offered encouragement despite continuing questions over their defensive organisation.