At Old Trafford, Manchester United secured a convincing 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, earning a winning start to their Premier League campaign. Bruno Fernandes once again produced a hat-trick, and the *Manchester Evening News* published an analysis praising his performance. The article stated that Manchester United already possess the Premier League’s outstanding player — Bruno Fernandes — and their opponents are fully aware of it.

The article wrote that Bruno Fernandes had just completed a “hat-trick” of individual awards for the 2025-26 season, and now he has started the new campaign by scoring a hat-trick on the pitch. Thanks to his brilliant second-half display, Manchester United completely overwhelmed Ipswich Town.

Looking back at last season’s honours, Fernandes saved the biggest award for last. The PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) award he lifted on Tuesday night was especially meaningful to him because it was voted for by his fellow professionals.

Ipswich players will not forget their battle against Manchester United’s captain and spiritual leader anytime soon. The match created a storm at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.

In the first half, Manchester United found themselves in trouble after conceding another goal from a cross. The team was repeatedly exposed, with Ipswich creating several dangerous chances, while Carrick’s side struggled to produce an effective attacking response.

But, as always, Fernandes stepped up. His equaliser may have involved an element of luck, but United completely turned the game around after the break.

Following last weekend’s defeat away to Hull City, Manchester United were under huge pressure when falling behind, and they needed someone to take control of the situation.

After Jacob Greaves’ own goal gave United the lead, Fernandes calmly converted a penalty before scoring again from inside the box to complete his third hat-trick for Manchester United.

While Fernandes was known more for his assists last season, he capped off an unforgettable afternoon by providing an outstanding pass for Mbeumo, completing a five-star performance.

At the start of the match, Fernandes was surprisingly not the only player attracting attention. When Rashford’s name was announced before kick-off, Old Trafford erupted with a huge roar. Supporters immediately began singing his famous chant, helping ease the pressure on the forward, who was making his first appearance at the stadium since December 2024.

At one point, Rashford’s relationship with Manchester United supporters had become strained, but a period away from the club gave him the chance to make a fresh start.

This summer, Rashford and Manchester United reconciled, and the loyal supporters at Old Trafford clearly accepted the change.

Rashford certainly made a bright start. He looked energetic and direct, forcing goalkeeper Scherpen into a comfortable save with an early shot. Later, his bold run created an opportunity for Cunha, although the Brazilian fired over the bar.

When Dalot cut inside and forced Scherpen into an excellent save, Rashford was also heavily involved in United’s attacking moves.

Wearing the number 9 shirt but operating from his preferred left-wing position, Rashford played a major role in the attack and looked more dangerous than highly rated youngster Dorgu.

In the second half, Rashford produced an excellent volleyed cross from Dalot’s delivery and redirected the ball back across goal, but Mbeumo struck the crossbar from just a few yards out.

Minutes later, Dalot found Rashford again, and his first-time volley looked destined for the net, only for Scherpen to make an incredible save.

Despite Rashford’s threat, the player controlling the game was still Fernandes. The 2025-26 Player of the Season appeared ready to repeat his remarkable achievements in the new campaign.

After Reiss Davies gave Ipswich the lead, Manchester United desperately needed Fernandes to step forward. Against Hull City, United had already shown weakness when defending crosses, and this time Fatawu beat Luke Shaw before delivering the ball to the unmarked Davies, who finished easily.

When the Ipswich left-back found space again from another cross moments later and nearly scored a second, anxiety began to spread around Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s first-half performance was difficult to describe. Their equaliser came after Dalot delayed an Ipswich throw-in, and with time running out, the referee overturned the decision. After Ipswich restarted play, Marcelino Núñez lost possession, allowing United to launch a ruthless counterattack. Cunha played the ball to Fernandes, who calmly finished with his left foot.

Luck was clearly on Manchester United’s side. After Maguire won a battle near the edge of the box, his shot appeared to be heading wide but deflected off Jacob Greaves and went into the net. Had Maguire scored directly, the goal may have been ruled out for handball, but because it was an own goal, VAR did not intervene.

Ipswich’s frustration with the decision was understandable. Then, just seconds after the second half began, they found themselves in trouble again. Cunha broke into the penalty area and was brought down by a desperate challenge from Greaves. Fernandes stepped up and confidently converted from the spot.

When Mbeumo’s shot deflected into his path, Fernandes completed his hat-trick. Immediately after the restart from midfield, he attempted a spectacular long-range effort from inside his own half after spotting Ipswich out of position, but the ball sailed just over Scherpen’s goal.

However, Fernandes was not finished. His brilliant assist for Mbeumo allowed the forward to chip the onrushing Scherpen and seal the victory in the pouring rain.

In stoppage time, a mistake from Lisandro Martínez allowed Juba Akpom to score a consolation goal for Ipswich.

After a disappointing start last weekend, Manchester United have now found their rhythm. If Fernandes can maintain this level of form, they will believe that anything is possible this season.