Manchester United vs Ipswich Review
Manchester United came from behind to defeat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, securing their first Premier League victory of the season. Bruno Fernandes scored his first league hat-trick since United’s opening match of the 2021/22 season, helping to end a three-game winless streak against newly promoted teams under Michael Carrick. The home team sought a strong response following a disappointing loss on the first matchday, but their efforts to take early control were challenged by an Ipswich side that clearly believed in their chances.
Both goalkeepers were busy in a thrilling sequence just before the 15-minute mark, when Diogo Dalot’s curling shot aimed for the top corner was tipped over by Ipswich’s towering goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. From the resulting corner, Ipswich counterattacked, with Julio Enciso outpacing defenders Luke Shaw and Bryan Mbeumo, but his shot was saved by Senne Lammens. As tension built at Old Trafford, Gary O’Neil’s team stepped up, Leif Davis opened the scoring by finishing at the far post following Abdul Fatawu’s run past Luke Shaw on the wing and his cross into the United penalty area. Ipswich nearly extended their lead shortly after, but Lammens was able to deny another attempt from Davis.
The Red Devils then took advantage of a crucial moment when Marcelino Núñez slipped, giving the home side a two-on-one opportunity. Matheus Cunha passed to Bruno Fernandes, who fired in at the near post to level the score. After the break, Carrick’s team immediately pushed forward to complete the comeback and should have done so when Mbeumo inexplicably missed a close-range chance, hitting the bar from a Marcus Rashford cross. Although they were unfortunate in that moment, United were luckier on the next attack. Maguire blocked a clearance near the Ipswich box, seemingly using his hands, then took a shot that was heading wide but was deflected in by Jacob Greaves, whose touch prevented the goal from being ruled out.
Ipswich’s feeling of unfairness did little to help them as United quickly pushed forward again, and Greaves’ day worsened when he fouled Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area. Fernandes, who had missed two penalties in pre-season, successfully converted this time, sending Scherpen the wrong way to increase the Red Devils’ lead. Although the Ipswich goalkeeper then saved a shot from Rashford, he couldn’t stop the dominant home team and their inspirational captain, who completed his third hat-trick for United with a simple tap-in after Kobbie Mainoo and Mbeumo had their shots blocked.
Not satisfied with just a hat-trick, Fernandes also assisted by setting up Mbeumo, who chipped the towering Scherpen; the ball initially hit the crossbar before crossing the line despite Greaves’ best efforts. The scoring didn’t stop there in the heavy rain, as Enciso stole the ball from Lisandro Martínez and set up Chuba Akpom to score just after the 90th minute, but United’s ninth win in 10 matches at Old Trafford since Carrick took charge was already assured.
