Fernandes hat-trick inspires Man Utd comeback against Ipswich

Bruno Fernandes produced a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United recovered from an early setback to defeat newly promoted Ipswich Town 5-2 in a seven-goal Premier League thriller on Sunday.

United desperately needed a response after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to another promoted side, Hull, the previous weekend. Their afternoon initially appeared to be heading in the wrong direction again when Ipswich took the lead at Old Trafford.

Leif Davis gave the visitors a shock advantage in the 29th minute, but United captain Fernandes restored parity before half-time with a powerful finish.

Michael Carrick made four changes to the team that had struggled so badly against Hull, including handing Marcus Rashford his first United start in almost two years. Kobbie Mainoo also returned to the starting lineup, and the changes appeared to provide United with greater attacking purpose.

However, Fernandes once again proved to be the crucial figure in the final third.

Ipswich had opportunities to extend their lead before United equalised. Senne Lammens was forced into an important one-on-one save from Julio Enciso after the forward raced through following a United corner.

Davis then missed another chance to score when his effort was comfortably dealt with by Lammens.

United eventually levelled after an Ipswich mistake. Marcelino Nunez lost possession, allowing Matheus Cunha to seize the opportunity and find Fernandes, who cut inside before firing a left-footed shot into the net.

The hosts moved ahead early in the second half in controversial circumstances.

Harry Maguire's arm was struck by the ball before he attempted a shot, but because his effort was travelling wide and only reached the goal after deflecting off Jacob Greaves, the goal was allowed to stand.

Greaves was then at the centre of another decisive moment. The Ipswich defender brought down Cunha as the United forward charged towards goal, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a penalty.

Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give United a 3-1 lead.

The Portuguese midfielder, who was recently voted last season's Premier League Player of the Year by his fellow professionals, continued his remarkable start to the new campaign.

Fernandes had been recognised last season primarily for his creativity, setting a Premier League record for assists with 21 while scoring nine goals. He was already well on his way to matching his previous scoring total after completing his hat-trick from close range.

The United captain reacted quickest to a deflected Bryan Mbeumo effort and finished from close range to put the hosts firmly in control.

Fernandes then turned provider, sending a superb pass over the top of the Ipswich defence for Mbeumo to chase. The forward calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Kjell Scherpen to make it 5-1.

Despite United's impressive attacking display, defensive concerns remain for Carrick.

Ipswich were handed a late consolation goal when Lisandro Martinez was dispossessed by Enciso, who squared the ball for Chuba Akpom to finish into an unguarded net during stoppage time.

The final scoreline gave United a much-needed boost after their opening-weekend disappointment, although Carrick will know there is still considerable work to do defensively.

For Fernandes, however, it was an afternoon to remember as his three goals and an assist helped United secure their first Premier League victory of the season.