Manchester United bounced back from last week’s disappointment in Hull with an emphatic 5-2 victory against Ipswich Town on Sunday evening.
The one-time Premier League kingpins suffered the expected criticism throughout the week and found themsleves behind again when Leif Davis scored inside 30 minutes.
But a relentless response ensued, with a Jacob Greaves own goal complementing a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick and a late fifth from Bryan Mbeumo.
Chuba Akpom got himself on the scoresheet in second-half injury time after some lacklustre defending, but, by then, the result was all but a formality.
Questions will remain about the defence, given how easily Luke Shaw was dismissed for the opener. Nonetheless, three points and a positive result were the aim, and the Reds delivered in abundance.
Michael Carrick endured a somewhat challenging week, with various questions surfacing about his players’ commitment and desire to compete during an opening-day defeat at MKM Stadium.
Undeterred by what he deemed “lazy” analysis, the 45-year-old was encouraged by his side’s start inside a typically vibrant Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford, earning his first Premier League start in red since a 4-0 victory against Everton in December 2024, was eager to make an impression and was central to much of the early promise.
First, the Wythenshawe man set up Mateus Cunha to fire over from the edge of the area, before initiating the attack that inspired Kjell Scherpen to deny Diogo Dalot.
Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, Scherpen needed every bit of it to prevent the Portuguese from scoring an exquisite effort, which inevitably led to a Mancunian surge.
But the Tractor Boys were structured in their shape and routinely menacing in transition, twice threatening before deservedly breaking the deadlock.
Abdul Fatawu dismissed Shaw’s defensive efforts with ease before marauding into the area and offloading a low ball for Davis to hammer past Senne Lammens.
To their credit, Gary O’Neil’s side were impressive and unbothered by their surroundings, but were undone by a moment of misfortune with five minutes of the half remaining.
Marcelino Nunez lost his footing in possession, allowing Cunha to race forward at pace before threading a ball for Fernandes, who made no mistake with an emphatic finish.
There could be no question about commitment as the players made their way to the changing rooms. Instead, the focus would be placed on who would demand control after the restart.
Carrick retained his starting XI for the second half and was rewarded with a sparkling 10-minute display that should have returned a second goal.
His side were calm, composed and slick in their interplay, but were left perplexed when Mbeumo managed to direct Rashford’s delivery onto the crossbar from two yards.
Regardless, United did take a deserved lead in somewhat fortunate fashion when Harry Maguire’s effort was deflected home off Greaves after the ball had hit the defender’s hand in the buildup.
Two became three within minutes when Cunha was brought to ground in the area, allowing Bruno to double his tally from the penalty spot.
Momentum is an amazing thing in football, and the benefits gained from a first-half equaliser inspired a truly sublime showing from United after the restart.
As sure as day becomes night, Bruno Fernandes will illuminate goals. And he notched his third hat-trick in red midway through the half with a routine finish from five yards.
The captain was at his sparkling best, and the star of the show once more. Still, Kobbie Mainoo effortlessly dictated play in midfield and, from a pure football perspective, was a joy to behold.
A trademark of so many of the great United teams was a ruthlessness in front of goal, and a menacing desire to punish every opponent.
Make no mistake, Carrick’s men were hell-bent on adding to Ipswich’s misery, and Mbeumo did just that when he lifted the ball over the head of a helpless Scherpen after more Fernandes magic.
As the rain poured down in Manchester, the tie took on an exhibition feel, typified by Lisandro Martinez’s nonchalant discipline on the ball, which inevitably supplied Akpom an easy tap-in.
Frustrating as that was to witness, it does not detract from what was an otherwise delightful evening for the Stretford End.
If there were questions about this team’s capabilities in the opening 45, few, if any, will doubt Carrick’s project after a superb second-half demolition at M16.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels. Image by News Images via depositphotos.com.
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