Assist king Fernandes turns predator in Manchester United rout

Bruno Fernandes usually creates Manchester United’s chances. Against Ipswich Town, the captain finished them himself, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win.

His first goal, in the 40th minute, brought United back into the match after Leif Davis had given Ipswich the lead. Fernandes then scored twice more, including a penalty, to complete only his second Premier League hat-trick. His first also came in United’s opening home match of a season, against Leeds United five years earlier.

Fernandes nearly added a fourth from near the halfway line, with his shot narrowly clearing the bar. He later supplied the pass for Bryan Mbeumo to score United’s fifth with a lob.

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He’s got a lot of experience now to pass on to others and show them the way a little bit and lead by example and help them in different moments, and times like today, when you’re looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did that today particularly well.

Michael Carrick praised the 31-year-old’s leadership and experience. “He’s got a lot of experience now to pass on to others and show them the way a little bit and lead by example and help them in different moments, and times like today, when you’re looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did that today particularly well.”

The performance continued Fernandes’s strong form under Carrick. Last season, he helped United finish third, won the Premier League Player of the Season award and broke the league record for assists in a campaign. His influence also includes pressing, defending and setting standards for teammates. Carrick said, “Hopefully, there’s a lot to come.”

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Hopefully, there’s a lot to come.