Man Utd 5-2 Ipswich: Fernandes hat-trick, Maguire controversial goal stands after VAR review

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick in Sunday's comeback win against Ipswich Dan Mullan/Getty Images

By Chris McKenna, Tim Spiers, and Graham Scott Aug. 30, 2026 Updated

Bruno Fernandes starred with a hat-trick — and nearly scored from the halfway line — as Manchester United came from a goal down to hammer Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford starting his first Premier League game for United since December 2024 was the talk beforehand, while Kobbie Mainoo also impressed in midfield. But it was the Portuguese international's goals that made the difference.

Michael Carrick's side had lost on the opening weekend to Hull City, who were promoted alongside Ipswich last season, and they went behind on the half-hour through a Leif Davis goal. Ipswich did well to pressurise United and create chances, but it was Fernandes' three goals — one a penalty — plus a controversial own-goal involving Harry Maguire that sealed the three points.

Bryan Mbeumo made up for a miss from a few yards out to add a fifth late on before Chuba Akpom got a second for Ipswich.

There are still areas of concern, most notably at left-back, for Carrick. But this is the first time United have scored five goals in a Premier League game since August 2021 against Leeds — a match in which Fernandes also scored a hat-trick.

Chris McKenna, Tim Spiers, and Graham Scott break down the talking points.

How Good Was Fernandes?

Priceless. There was a release clause — which has now expired — of £57 million ($77.2m) in Fernandes' contract, which could have been triggered by clubs from abroad earlier in the summer.

If anyone had done that and somehow convinced the club captain to leave, it would have been daylight robbery.

Fernandes picked up the PFA Player of the Year award earlier this week, adding to his FWA and Premier League individual honours for his performances last season. This was a display that will have United hoping he is on for another spectacular year.

Bruno Fernandes scores his third goal against Ipswich (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

Fernandes was subdued in last weekend's surprise defeat by Hull, but when United needed him here, he stood up and delivered a leader's performance.

His opening goal was a gift after a mistake from Ipswich, but it was still a fine finish to equalise.

Having missed two penalties in pre-season, there was perhaps a bit of pressure on the second-half spot kick that made it 3-1. But he didn't fall for the mind games from goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen and sent him the wrong way.

The third was a tidy finish to wrap up the hat-trick and the points. He added a late assist with a sublime pass to Mbeumo for the fifth.

— Chris McKenna

Why Was the Own Goal Allowed After Maguire's Handball?

I understand why Ipswich will feel aggrieved. The ball obviously strikes Maguire's arm as it bounces up towards his chest and appears to be played against him at close range by Akpom.

His arms are in the position you would expect in the circumstances — raised to offer protection — and in line with his body. But the question is whether he scores "immediately," because even an accidental handball should be penalised if so.

He takes two touches before shooting with his third, during which time Ipswich defenders have the chance to close him down.