How Bruno Fernandes inspired Man Utd to a five-star rout of Ipswich Town
After suffering an embarrassing defeat against fellow promoted side Hull City on the opening weekend, United were under pressure to respond. Ipswich, meanwhile, arrived in Manchester full of confidence after beginning their campaign with a victory over Sunderland.
Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated Sunderland, opting for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. Michael Carrick, meanwhile, made four changes to his Manchester United side.
Rashford receives warm Old Trafford welcome
One of the biggest talking points before kick-off was the return of Marcus Rashford to Old Trafford.
The forward received a warm reception from the home supporters and immediately looked eager to make an impact. Rashford registered three attempts during the opening 30 minutes, more than any other player on the pitch.
United dominated possession and created eight early attempts, but it was Ipswich who stunned the home crowd by taking the lead.
Leif Davis produced an excellent rising left-footed strike to give the visitors an unexpected advantage. It was Davis’ first Premier League goal since November 2024, when he scored against Leicester City.
United had failed to win their previous three home matches after conceding first, but they quickly responded through captain Bruno Fernandes.
Red Devils inspired by Bruno
Fernandes once again proved to be the driving force behind United’s attacking display.
The Portuguese midfielder recorded 94 touches, second only to Lisandro Martinez, while he also managed eight shots — just one fewer than Ipswich managed as a team.
Fernandes’ influence inspired his teammates, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the woodwork and Youri Tielemans seeing an effort cleared off the line shortly after half-time.
Ipswich struggled to contain the pressure, with Sasa Lukic one of the few visitors able to offer significant resistance. He won two of the three tackles he attempted, while none of his teammates managed more than one successful tackle.
United then produced a remarkable spell of pressure, registering eight shots in just four minutes as Ipswich’s defence began to crumble.
The second goal eventually arrived, although it came with plenty of controversy.
Controversial Maguire goal
Harry Maguire appeared to handle the ball before his effort found the net via a deflection off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves.
Because the ball deflected into the goal from Greaves after making contact with Maguire’s hand, a lesser-known law meant the goal was allowed to stand.
Had Maguire’s effort gone directly into the net following the handball, the goal would have been disallowed.
Ipswich’s misery deepened just three minutes later when Greaves conceded a penalty. Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to put United firmly in control.
United continued to pile on the pressure after the hour mark, creating another four chances in a four-minute spell.
Ipswich struggle with passing
Ipswich’s inability to retain possession was another major factor in their struggles.
Emersonn completed just 50% of his passes, although he attempted only two in total. Abdul Fatawu and Chuba Akpom were also limited to a 66.7% completion rate.
Darnell Furlong, Marcelino Nunez and Davis performed only marginally better, with each recording passing accuracy in the 70% range.
United’s dominance eventually produced another reward in the 68th minute when Fernandes completed his hat-trick.
It was his third goal in three appearances against Ipswich, while the three-goal haul also marked his first Premier League hat-trick since August 2021 against Leeds United.
United’s fourth goal was their first time scoring four or more in a match since their 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December 2025.
Fernandes was an obvious choice for Player of the Match, although United’s overall attacking output was equally impressive, with the team registering 33 shots.
Carrick’s side remained on the front foot throughout, and although it may still be too early to suggest that United are back to their best, there were clear signs that this developing squad could become a serious force.
United complete five-star display
Marcus Rashford also played a major role in the victory before being substituted to a standing ovation.
The forward won seven of 10 duels, completed two of four dribbles and registered four shots. He also recorded seven touches inside the Ipswich penalty area, joint-most among all players.
Bryan Mbeumo added further gloss to the scoreline late on, scoring his third goal in three appearances against Ipswich.
The fifth goal marked United’s first five-goal haul since their 5-1 victory over Leeds United in August 2021 — the same match in which Fernandes last scored a league hat-trick for the club.
Ipswich eventually pulled one back through Chuba Akpom in stoppage time, but the consolation goal did little to ease the disappointment for the travelling supporters.
United, meanwhile, left Old Trafford with a commanding 5-1 victory, a timely response after their difficult opening weekend and a performance that showcased the growing influence of Fernandes under Carrick.
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