Fernandes pulls strings and shows value to Man Utd after picking up Player of Year award

Bruno Fernandes was the difference as he rallied the Manchester United troops in a 5-2 win over Ipswich where they had to come from behind.

The Portuguese was not at his best in the opening day loss away to Hull but he showed his value to the team once again as United won at home, only a few days after he picked up his Player of the Year award.

United looked to be heading for another difficult afternoon when Ipswich took an early lead, but Michael Carrick's side responded emphatically to turn the game around and eventually run out 5-2 winners.

Fernandes scored three times and provided an assist for Bryan Mbeumo as United recovered to claim their first Premier League victory of the season.

Having lost 2-0 at Hull on the opening weekend, United could not afford another setback against newly promoted opposition.

But Ipswich made a confident start and took the lead through Leif Davis.

Abdul Fatawu produced good work down the wing before the ball eventually fell to Davis, who struck a half-volley beyond Senne Lammens.

United were struggling to find their rhythm and Lammens was called into action on more than one occasion as Ipswich continued to threaten.

The game changed with one moment of misfortune for the visitors.

Marcelino Nunez slipped as Ipswich pushed forward for a corner, allowing United to break quickly.

Matheus Cunha carried the ball forward and found Fernandes, who made no mistake to bring United level.

From that point, the momentum shifted completely.

United took the lead when Harry Maguire's effort was diverted into the net by Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves.

There were questions over a possible handball by Maguire in the build-up, but the goal stood after the ball was credited as an own goal.

Greaves was involved again moments later at the other end.

The Ipswich defender brought down Cunha inside the penalty area, giving Fernandes the chance to put United further ahead.

The captain calmly converted from the spot and continued to pull the strings in the game.

His third goal came after both Kobbie Mainoo and Mbeumo had efforts blocked, with the United captain reacting quickest to finish the loose ball and complete his hat-trick.

The Portuguese midfielder was named the PFA Men's Player of the Year this week following another outstanding individual campaign.

And when United needed someone to take control after their poor start against Ipswich, it was Fernandes who delivered.

The hat-trick took him to 113 goals in 330 appearances for United, underlining his remarkable consistency since arriving at Old Trafford.

But his contribution did not end there. Fernandes later played an excellent ball over the top for Mbeumo.

The forward's effort hit the crossbar before spinning back over the line to give United a fifth goal.

Ipswich did manage a late consolation when Julio Enciso cut the ball back for substitute Chuba Akpom to score.

The final score will ease some of the pressure that followed United's defeat at Hull, but the opening stages showed there is still work to be done.

United were vulnerable defensively and could have fallen further behind before Fernandes brought them back into the contest.

Once they found their way back, however, the attacking performance was impressive.

United finished with 33 shots, their highest total in a Premier League game for almost a decade.

There were chances throughout the second half, including a remarkable Mbeumo miss when he hit the crossbar from close range with the goal open after a Marcus Rashford delivery.

But the biggest positive was the way United responded after going behind. Carrick needed a reaction after the Hull defeat and he got one.