Bruno Fernandes the hat-trick hero as United beat Ipswich 5-2: “He’s our best player” [video] | OneFootball

Fernandes was key to United's comeback [Getty Images]

Manchester United 5-2 Ipswich Town

Bruno Fernandes capped a memorable week by registering a hat-trick as well as a brilliant late assist to help Manchester United come from behind and hammer Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford.

In the week Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year for last season, the Portugal man stole the show as United recovered from last weekend’s opening-day defeat to Hull City and record their first win of the Premier League campaign.

United, with Diogo Dalot at right-back, fell behind just before the half hour mark when Leif Davis finished brilliantly for the visitors inside the box. However, the game changed on 40 minutes when a slip by Ipswich midfielder Marcelino Núñez allowed Matheus Cunha to send Fernandes through on goal to finish brilliantly with his left foot and level the score.

The goal inspired the Red Devils, who emerged from the half-time break much stronger and were dominant in the second period. Harry Maguire’s shot deflected off Jacob Greaves and ended up in the Ipswich net to make it 2-1, after which Fernandes converted a penalty (61’) following a foul on Cunha.

Fernandes completed his treble on 68 minutes with a simple finish after Bryan Mbeumo’s shot was deflected into his path. Mbeumo rounded off the scoring with a deft lob after he was put through by a brilliant long-range pass from Fernandes, who was duly issued the Man of the Match award.

“Obviously [it’s been] a great week,” Fernandes told MUTV after the match. “Ending it with a win, with the hat-trick, scoring goals at this stadium with our fans – it's always the greatest feeling we can have. Wrapping it all with a win, it’s an amazing week for me.

“I’m very happy with the hat-trick. I’m happy to score any time, whether it’s three, one, two...whatever. I just want to score to help the team win games.”

United defender Harry Maguire was full of praise for skipper Fernandes, telling reporters of the importance the former Sporting man holds at the Theatre of Dreams. “He’s massive, he’s our best player and he’s one of the best players in the world,” Maguire said.

“I hope he has an amazing season like he did last season. If he does then we will have a successful season, because he’s a huge part of our team and he takes huge responsibility in making sure he performs and delivers the numbers he’s done for the last six or seven years for this club. He’s a massive player for us.”