United View: Fernandes stars as Reds bounce back

Manchester United bounced back from their opening day horror show in emphatic fashion on Sunday, thrashing Ipswich Town 5-2 in front of a mightily relieved Old Trafford crowd. 

There was an overwhelming feeling of ‘here we go again’ when Leif Davis swept the Tractor Boys in front on 29 minutes, but a ruthless second half display saw the Reds spare their blushes. 

Our talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes unsurprisingly took the headlines, reaffirming his status as the best player in the Premier League by netting his third hat trick in a United shirt and silencing the strange minority who seem to think we are better off without him in the process. 

Fernandes took both of his open play goals expertly, but it was particularly great to see him net from the spot, having missed a couple of penalties in pre-season which may have been playing on his mind. 

The Portuguese star also layed on an assist for Bryan Mbuemo, who opened his account for the season with an expertly weighted lob over the towering 6 ‘9’’ figure of Kjell Scherpen. 

Elsewhere there was controversy surrounding United’s second, with Harry Maguire handling the ball in the build-up, but seeing the goal stand after his strike took a nick off visiting defender Jacob Greaves on its way in. 

Though the referee and VAR technically came to the right decision, I do believe this aspect of the handball rule is somewhat farcical. 

Anyone with common sense would agree that goal should be chalked off, with Maguire claiming an unfair advantage merely seconds before the ball goes in – but I won’t complain too much, as it clearly benefitted us on this occasion! 

Another main talking point was Marcus Rashford’s sensational Old Trafford return, as he made the starting XI for the first time since December 2024, prior to his fall-out with then manager Ruben Amorim. 

And it wouldn’t be ridiculous to say it was worth the wait, with the now 28-year-old slotting into Carrick’s system seamlessly. 

Sporting his new number nine shirt, Rashford looked re-energised, showing an appetite and a willingness to do both sides of the game. 

We know all about his talent going forward, but what has often been levelled at him in the past is a perceived reluctance to track back and do his defensive duties. 

Though admittedly, this should be the bare minimum for any United player, those same criticisms could not be applied against Ipswich, as the Carrington graduate’s performance had everything but a goal. 

It was also a happy return to the side for fellow Manc Kobbie Mainoo, who starred in midfield and showed just what United were missing against Hull. 

Likewise, with Rashford, I was mostly impressed with his defensive contributions, showing determination to win the ball back quickly throughout, while displaying the same poise and flair on the ball that we have come to expect. 

On a slightly negative note, the summer transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday evening, and there was to be no deadline day drama as far as the Reds were concerned. 

To the frustration of many supporters, INEOS and United elected not to make any late moves, potentially leaving the squad short in several areas. 

A speculative eleventh-hour enquiry was made for Manchester City left back Rayan Ait-Nouri, but other than that, there didn’t seem to be much of an appetite to sign a player in that position, which I can’t help but think is a mistake. 

With Luke Shaw’s injury issues, and Carrick’s unwillingness to utilise Patrick Dorgu at full back, this decision could be something the club come to rue between now and January. 

Seemingly, the plan is to wait until next summer to try to once again secure the services of Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, who was priced out of a move earlier in the window. 

Elsewhere, United’s proposed move for teenage Leicester City midfielder Louis Page fell through at the final hurdle due to a gap in valuation, while Everton’s late swoop for Joshua Zirkzee was also unsuccessful. 

The Reds face the Toffees this weekend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as they look to make it two league wins on the bounce going into the Manchester derby.