New Man Utd era, same old brilliance from Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United beat Ipswich 3-1, a day after he was named PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes struck a hat-trick to guide his side to a 3-1 win over Gary O'Neil's Ipswich, arriving fresh off being named PFA Players' Player of the Year on Tuesday. The award recognised his outstanding contribution last season, when he set a Premier League record of 21 assists and helped United return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Before kick-off, Fernandes walked onto the pitch alongside the sons of PC Matthew Blades, a police officer who died recently in a head-on collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Fernandes started quietly as Ipswich took an early lead. The game turned when Marcelino Nunez lost the ball under no pressure, letting Matheus Cunha run through and square the ball for Fernandes to equalise. He later slotted home a penalty to make it 3-1 after an hour — a composed finish given he had missed two spot-kicks in pre-season. Seven minutes on, he completed his hat-trick, having earlier come close with an audacious 55-yard effort that landed just over the crossbar.
United boss Michael Carrick praised his captain's experience and ability to lift the team when it mattered most. After the final whistle, Fernandes first discussed a tactical detail with substitute Benjamin Sesko, then greeted opposition players and match officials, before realising he had nearly left without collecting the match ball awarded for his hat-trick — referee Craig Pawson handed it back to him.
Fernandes described it as the end of a big week for him personally, saying some matches simply come together and have to be seized when they do.
