Manchester United came back from a goal down to eventually thrash Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was the Bruno Fernandes show in front of a packed Theatre of Dreams, with the club captain taking home the match ball after a brilliant hat-trick.
It was far from a smooth beginning for the Red Devils in their first home game of the season, as the Tractor Boys took the lead following Luke Shaw’s error out wide.
But a mistake from the away side allowed the Portuguese international to equalise before half-time, and the 20-time English league champions emerged a different team in the second half.
Massive win for United
After the disappointment of the Hull City result, a win of such magnitude was required to calm the atmosphere surrounding the club.
“It was an important match for us. We had to take the three points and put in a good performance. In the second half, we played very well. Scoring before halftime was important. It gave us confidence.
“It was massive for us as we knew we lost three points last week and it was all about getting the three points for our fans at home – they have been waiting ages for this.
“We couldn’t make up for last week today, as you can’t get six points, but we wanted to start on the front foot and be strong. In the second half we were very good.”
Bruno Fernandes lauds United’s second-half ruthlessness
It was great to see a ruthless performance from the three-time Champions League winners in the second half. Quite often, United have been guilty of sitting back after taking the lead.
On Sunday, Carrick’s men kept going for the jugular, and that resulted in four second-half goals, and it could have been more if not for the Ipswich keeper.
Bruno Fernandes was delighted with the mentality from the whole squad and was equally pleased with his hat-trick in front of the adoring Stretford End faithful.
“We need to be hungry to score more goals. I said before the game, to be honest, there are certain days you FEEL it. It is one of those days when EVERYTHING comes to you, and you have to take it.”
Scoring a hat-trick is the best feeling, says Bruno Fernandes
“Scoring goals is the BEST feeling in football. Doing a hat-trick at home with our fans is something I’m proud of. I hope I can do much more and help my team-mates score goals too.”
Bruno Fernandes was also quick to swat aside talks of United getting carried away after such an emphatic victory. He claimed the players did not let the loss last week affect them, and they will just carry on after Sunday’s big win as well.
“We have to do it in both ways. When we lose, we CAN’T 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 want to be on top of everything and win games. It is very difficult for me to control the emotions.”
Feature image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
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