Bruno Fernandes named Player of Month as Carrick hails him 'example' at Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes has been named Manchester United's Player of the Month ahead of the Everton clash.

The Portuguese who was named PFA Players' Player of the Year last season, picked up the gong for the best United player during August - after hitting a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend.

The Tractor Boys had gone a goal up through Leif Davis in the first half, and Fernandes levelled the scoring before the break after Matheus Cunha fed through a pass on the counter.

The 31-year-old then added another from the penalty spot on the hour mark, and sealed his hat-trick by pouncing on a deflected Bryan Mbeumo shot, slotting it beyond the goalkeeper.

Last season he won this award on three occasions for September, March and May.

And it comes as Michael Carrick said he is "an example every day" to his United teammates.

"I've spoken an awful lot about Bruno, and I think it just shows what he can do," Carrick said.

"I think how important he is for us, and the impact that he has. He's done it over such a long period of time and since we've started working together again, I think he's been nothing but positive all the way through.

"He's set the example every day. He trains well, his attitude is spot-on, he's desperate to win, he's desperate to do well, and then he puts in performances like that."

Fernandes' latest goals took his tally for United to 113, underlining the remarkable contribution he has made since arriving at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old remains the focal point of United's side despite the club's summer midfield rebuild, with Carrick adding Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to his options.

Carrick acknowledged that Fernandes inevitably attracts the headlines but also insisted the victory over Ipswich was built on a collective response.

"Bruno is the first to admit it's a team game and I thought there were other individuals in the team that had a fantastic afternoon," Carrick said.

"Bruno gets the headlines, and I understand why. Rightly so, because the quality of his moments was pretty special at the weekend.

"I'm definitely sure there will be more of them as the season goes on."