Bruno Fernandes hits hat-trick as Manchester United claim first league win

Bruno Fernandes says scoring goals in front of Manchester United’s supporters is “the best feeling in football” after his hat-trick helped his side beat Ipswich Town 5-2 and secure their first Premier League points of the season.

The United captain was instrumental in a convincing victory at home, with Bryan Mbeumo also scoring for the hosts and Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves putting through his own net.

Fernandes said the result was an important response after United’s defeat by Hull City in their opening league fixture, although he stressed that one victory could not make up for the points already lost.

“It was a great result for us,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “We lost three points last week, and this was our first game at home. The fans had been waiting for it.

“This game does not make up for last week because you cannot get six points from one game. We were very good in the second half.”

United had been in control for long periods, but Fernandes said scoring before half-time was crucial after Ipswich had threatened to shift the momentum.

“Scoring a goal before half-time is always important, whether it is to control the game or to equalise,” he said. “We were in control of the game, and in the second half we were very good.”

Fernandes, who scored three times as United collected their first three points, described the occasion as a particularly satisfying one at Old Trafford.

“Scoring goals is the best feeling in football,” he added. “To score a goal at our stadium in front of our fans is something I am proud of. I hope I can do more and help my team-mates score goals as well.”

The Portugal international acknowledged that United had briefly lost control after conceding, but praised the team for recovering before the interval and producing a stronger display after the break.

“We were in control of the game, then we conceded and lost some control afterwards,” he said. “But we got back into the game and scored before half-time. In the second half we were excellent.

“We need to have more desire to score more goals.”

Fernandes also shared the credit for his personal achievement with his team-mates.

“It is a great achievement for me, but it was achieved because of the team as well,” he said. “I would not have achieved any of that without their help.”

The result completed a notable week for United, according to their captain.

“Obviously, it was a huge week, and finishing the week with a win at home today was great,” Fernandes said.

He added that players must take advantage when matches appear to be going in their favour.

“I said before the game, honestly, that there are days when you feel everything is going your way,” he said. “Today was one of those days, and you have to take advantage of that.”

Fernandes also reflected on the emotional demands of playing for United, saying defeats were especially difficult to handle because of the club’s expectations.

“We have to deal with it in both situations,” he concluded. “When we lose, we cannot get carried away with the negative things. I hate losing, and it is difficult to be positive when you lose games because at this club you always want to be at the top and win matches.

“It is very difficult for me to control my emotions.”

The victory leaves Manchester United with three points from their first two league matches. Ipswich Town remain on three points after winning their opening game against Sunderland.