Bruno Fernandes produced a captain's performance to remember as Manchester United bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a commanding 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, with the skipper scoring a hat-trick and setting up another goal in the process.
The win came just days after Fernandes was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, an award recognising his outstanding contribution last season that included a Premier League record of 21 assists as United secured a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Before kickoff, Fernandes walked onto the pitch alongside the sons of PC Matthew Blades, who was killed in a recent collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough, in a poignant tribute ahead of the match.
Once play got underway, however, Fernandes struggled to make an early impact as Ipswich, managed by Gary O'Neil, took a first-half lead through Leif Davis. Luke Shaw later admitted responsibility for the goal, acknowledging he should have done better to prevent Abdul Fatawu's cross from finding Davis.
United's response after the break was emphatic. Fernandes drew his side level with a powerful strike after Matheus Cunha capitalised on a slip from Marcelino Nunez, racing through on goal before laying the ball off for his captain to finish. Fernandes then converted a penalty just past the hour mark to put United 3-1 ahead — a moment carrying extra significance given he had missed two spot-kicks during pre-season.
Seven minutes later, Fernandes completed his third hat-trick for the club. He had also come close to an extraordinary fourth goal moments after the restart when he attempted an audacious effort from 55 yards out after Ipswich lost possession, with goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen scrambling back to see the ball land just over his crossbar.
Despite the individual heroics, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also drew significant praise for his display after returning to the starting lineup. Shaw was effusive in his assessment, going as far as to suggest Mainoo — rather than Fernandes — deserved the player of the match honours.
"I kind of run out of words to speak about Bruno to be honest, he is such a good player," Shaw said. "I would like to speak about Kobbie. I think today he was world class, so so good, the way he controlled the game and the way he drove us forward. I know Bruno scored the hat-trick but I would put Mainoo down for man of the match. He is so young and it is such a joy to see him growing. For me he was phenomenal today. A real leader in that middle."
Manager Michael Carrick praised his captain's influence on proceedings. "He means a lot," Carrick said of Fernandes. "I mean, he's the captain. He's been here for a good number of years now and experienced a whole load of different emotions. Times like today, when you're looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did particularly well."
Fernandes reflected on the significance of bouncing back from the Hull City setback with a home win. "Obviously it was a huge week and to end with a win at home today was massive," he told BBC Sport. "I said before the game to be honest; there are certain days you feel it. It is one of those days when everything comes to you and you have to take it. I hate losing and it is difficult to be positive when you lose games. It is very difficult for me to control the emotions. At this club you want to be on top of everything."
Shaw echoed the importance of the result following the disappointment of the opening weekend. "It was a tough week so we had to bounce back," he said. "The second half performance was us, there are lots of good things to take out of that... Today was really important to get the three points."
United will look to build on the victory when they travel to face Everton on Sunday, 6 September, with competition for midfield places set to intensify following the arrival of new signing Carlos Baleba.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport and The Independent.