Manchester United produced a much-needed response at Old Trafford as they came from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 in the Premier League, with captain Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick.
The victory helped Michael Carrick’s side recover from their disappointing 2-0 defeat by Hull City in their opening match of the season.
Ipswich took the lead in the 29th minute when Leif Davis produced an impressive half-volley following excellent work from Abdul Fatawu on the wing.
United struggled to impose themselves early on, but they leveled in the 40th minute after a mistake from Marcelino Nunez allowed the hosts to break forward, with Matheus Cunha setting up Fernandes to finish.
United completed the turnaround shortly after the interval through an own goal from Jacob Greaves.
Harry Maguire’s effort was deflected into the net by the Ipswich defender, with VAR confirming that the goal could stand despite the ball having struck Maguire’s arm during the build-up.
Greaves was involved again three minutes later when he brought down Cunha inside the area, giving United a penalty.
Fernandes confidently converted from the spot to make it 3-1 before completing his hat-trick in the 68th minute, reacting quickest after efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo had been blocked.
Fernandes then turned provider as United added a fifth in the 82nd minute. The Portuguese midfielder released Mbeumo with a long pass, and although the forward’s initial effort struck the crossbar, the ball crossed the line to put United firmly in control.
Ipswich managed a late consolation in stoppage time when substitute Chuba Akpom converted Julio Enciso’s cut-back.
The result represents an important boost for United after their difficult start to the campaign. Fernandes, who was recently named the Professional Footballers’ Association men’s player of the year after recording a Premier League-record 21 assists last season, now has 113 goals in 330 appearances for the club.
His hat-trick was his third for United and ensured Carrick’s side avoided the unwanted prospect of losing their opening two league matches against newly promoted opposition.
