Manchester United recovered from an early deficit to beat newly promoted Ipswich Town 5-2 in the pouring rain at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat trick and provided an assist to get his team's season up and running. Michael Carrick's side sent an emphatic response to their critics following an abject defeat at Hull City. Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire also scored for the hosts, who fell behind to a 29th minute goal from Leif Davis.
Davis put Ipswich ahead at the Stretford End when winger Abdul Fatawu breezed past Luke Shaw and set him up to score his first Premier League goal since November 2024. Mbeumo had given up his defensive responsibility, leaving Davis unmarked for the finish. Mbeumo failed to track Davis on a second occasion, but Ipswich did not capitalise.
United manager Carrick cut a concerned figure in his technical area, but his side responded. Maguire, who signed a new contract in the summer, helped shift the momentum with a low strike that deflected in off the right heel of Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves. Maguire's composure helped navigate the Ipswich pressure, and he made crucial defensive headers when the visitors looked to counter attack.
Fernandes hat trick
Fernandes, who won last season's PFA Players' Player of the Year award, then took control of the match. The Portuguese midfielder scored his first goal on a breakaway after Matheus Cunha played an expert pass through to him, following a costly slip by Marcelino Núñez in the United half. Cunha remained constantly busy throughout the game, rarely giving the Ipswich players a moment of rest.
Fernandes scored his second goal from the penalty spot and completed his hat trick when he ghosted in to convert a blocked shot from Mbeumo. He then delivered a stunning clipped cross over the top for Mbeumo, who chipped 6 foot 9 inch Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to score United's fifth.
Marcus Rashford started for Manchester United for the first time in 626 days, taking the place of Patrick Dorgu on the left side of the attack after Dorgu's display at Hull. Rashford worked hard at both ends of the pitch and provided a cross that Mbeumo kneed onto the crossbar from two yards out, leaving the goalscorer aghast.
Midfield changes
Carrick was vindicated in his decision to make several changes to his starting lineup following the defeat at Hull, bringing in Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez as United went for the jugular. Martinez replaced Ayden Heaven in the defence, getting rhythm back on the ball to try and split the lines.
Mainoo delivered a physical, front footed performance in midfield that was described as a gem. Supporters had previously screamed obscenities at former head coach Ruben Amorim for not picking him, and many were perplexed the midfielder did not kick a ball at the World Cup. After United were poor at Hull, Mainoo showed why he must be in a first choice team moving forward.
In midfield, Youri Tielemans showed he can pass through the eye of a needle. However, a frenetic first half highlighted that he needs legs and runners around him, as he had at Aston Villa, so his lack of pace is not exposed by covering acres of space. Carrick and his staff must play to his strengths.
Goalkeeper saves
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was let down by his teammates against Hull, made several crucial saves to bail out mistakes ahead of him. He used his left knee to deny Julio Enciso in a one on one situation after the forward had gone past Shaw. His performances make him look like an even greater transfer market steal with every game.
Shaw's lack of pace was badly exposed throughout the afternoon, highlighting why United spent the summer scouring the market for a left back. The defender's body cannot compete with the fastest wingers in the league. Lammens later dived full stretch to his left to stop Daizen Maeda, who had been set clear by Davis.
At the other end, Dalot drew a fine save from Scherpen with his left foot after a brilliant cut back on the edge of the penalty area 13 minutes into the match. While Dalot made good attacking runs, Ipswich found space down his side of the pitch on multiple occasions.
Second half substitutions
Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil made a series of substitutions to his starting side, which included Dara O'Shea and Issa Diop in defence. Chuba Akpom replaced Emersonn at half time, before Exequiel Palacios came on for Núñez on 65 minutes. Dango Ouattara and Darnell Furlong replaced Sasa Lukić and Maeda on 73 minutes, and Jason McAteer took over from Fatawu with seven minutes remaining.
Akpom scored a late consolation goal for Ipswich in the first minute of stoppage time, capitalising after a lapse in concentration saw Martinez robbed of possession.
Mbeumo was booked for United, while Lukić, Fatawu and Greaves received yellow cards for the visitors.
