Manchester United returned to form with an impressive 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.
Match
Manchester United stuttered in the opening game of the season, losing 0-2 to Hull City, and got off to the worst start as they fell a goal behind at Old Trafford to Ipswich.
The Red Devils fought back, though, as a hat-trick from the incredible Bruno Fernandes, an own goal, and a wonderful finish by Bryan Mbeumo secured the points.
Whilst players like Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo stole the show, the match was also important for the Cameroonian Mbeumo.
Mbeumo
He has probably been Manchester United’s most dangerous attacker during pre-season, scoring a brace against Atletico Madrid and one against Paris Saint-Germain.
Nonetheless, he missed a couple of great chances against Hull City last week and was equally as wasteful for most of the match against Ipswich.
He incredibly missed a chance from a yard when he somehow managed to turn a wonderful Marcus Rashford cross onto the bar with his knee, with the goal gaping in front of the Stretford End.
The former Brentford player did play a big part in Fernandes’ hat-trick goal, as it was his shot that was blocked into the path of the Portugal international to steer home.
Mbeumo finally had his moment when he was played in by a wonderful no-look pass by Fernandes, and he raced onto the ball and expertly lofted the ball over the onrushing Kjell Scherpen.
Stats
He made three key passes in the match and created one big chance in the 90 minutes he was on the pitch.
His pass accuracy was also an impressive 92%, and he completed two crosses as he tried to poke holes in the Tractor Boys’ defence.
He also helped out defensively, winning four ground duels, two tackles, and an aerial battle.
Mbeumo will hope to build on this performance against Everton next Sunday.
Bryan Mbeumo stats vs Ipswich
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.63 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.21 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 5 (2) |
| Accurate passes | 23/25 (92%) |
| Passes in opposition half (acc.) | 20/22 (91%) |
| Passes in own half (acc.) | 3/3 (100%) |
| Distance covered | 2.9 km |
| Top speed | 33.6 km/h |
| Number of sprints | 22 |
| Running | 1.52 km (51.7%) |
| High-speed running | 0.89 km (30.2%) |
| Sprinting | 0.53 km (18%) |
| Total shots | 5 |
| Expected goals on target (xGOT) | 0.53 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Hit woodwork | 1 |
| Shots blocked | 3 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 43 |
| Unsuccessful touches | 2 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 1 (0) |
| Was fouled | 1 |
| Possession lost | 9 |
| Total carrying distance | 135.8 m |
| Carries | 13 |
| Progressive carries | 4 |
| Total progression | 66.4 m |
| Progressive carrying distance | 69 m |
| Longest progressive carry | 18 m |
| Def. contributions | 3 |
| Tackles (won) | 3 (2) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 0 |
| Blocked shots | 0 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Ground duels (won) | 6 (4) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 2 (1) |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
Featured image by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
