Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes produced a sensational hat-trick as the Red Devils recovered from an early setback to thrash Ipswich Town 5-2 in a dramatic Premier League encounter.
Ipswich, buoyed by their impressive victory over Sunderland on their return to the Premier League the previous weekend, stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead.
Leif Davis fired the visitors ahead with a superb half-volley after Abdul Fatawu produced a brilliant piece of wing play to create the opening.
But United quickly seized control after an error from Marcelino Núñez allowed the hosts to break from a corner. Matheus Cunha seized the opportunity, feeding Fernandes, who made no mistake from close range to restore parity.
The comeback gathered momentum as United took the lead through an unfortunate Ipswich own goal. Harry Maguire’s effort took a deflection off Jacob Greaves and flew into the net.
There was controversy surrounding the goal, with the ball appearing to strike Maguire’s arm in the build-up. However, the goal stood because Maguire was not deemed to have scored directly with his arm.
Greaves endured another difficult moment just three minutes later when he brought down Cunha inside the area, giving United a penalty. Fernandes stepped up and coolly converted to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick later in the match, reacting quickest after efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo were blocked inside the Ipswich area.
United continued to torment the visitors and Fernandes almost turned provider for another goal when he released Mbeumo with a superb ball over the top.
Mbeumo’s effort struck the crossbar before spinning over the line, extending United’s advantage to 5-1.
Ipswich managed a late consolation through Chuba Akpom, who finished from Julio Enciso’s cut-back after coming on as a half-time substitute.
The result completed a remarkable turnaround for United, with Fernandes once again emerging as the driving force behind a commanding victory.
