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Player Ratings: Manchester United 5-2 Ipswich Town

  • Writer: Fabrizio Tabone
    Fabrizio Tabone
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read
Player Ratings: Manchester United 5-2 Ipswich Town
Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United got their first win of the season in thrilling fashion, with Bruno Fernandes driving his side on to a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.


Leif Davis fired Ipswich in front, but United responded later in the first half, as Fernandes got on the end of an excellent pass from Matheus Cunha, striking a powerful shot into the back of the net to draw Michael Carrick's side level.


United took their game up a notch in the second half, with Harry Maguire hitting a shot that was deflected into the net by Jacob Greaves for an own goal to give the home side the lead. Cunha was brought down in the box just a few minutes later, and Fernandes dispatched the chance calmly. Fernandes completed his hat-trick just moments later by getting on the end of a couple of ricochets, slotting it into the net.


Fernandes turned from goalscorer to creator later in the game, turning wonderfully before finding Bryan Mbeumo, who lofted the ball over the Ipswich goalkeeper and the ball went into the net via the woodwork. Chuba Akpom got Ipswich a later consolation goal.


Goals galore for United at Old Trafford in an entertaining match and a brilliant attacking display.


Here are the player ratings after a thrilling encounter:


Senne Lammens 7


Produced yet another confident display, making two brilliant stops in the first half after a patchy spell from United. Very alert to danger and was not to blame for any of the goals.


Diogo Dalot 7


Diogo Dalot came in for Noussair Mazraoui in the starting line-up, and he showed that he has more to offer going forward. Had a curling strike saved, and also defended very well apart from being beaten by Maeda's pace at one point. Deserves to start next week.


Harry Maguire 6


Had a relatively poor first half, yet he was much more solid after the break. Seemingly handled the ball for the goal that put United in front.


Lisandro Martinez 6


The team plays better with the ball when he is in the team. Produced some excellent passes into midfield to help build up play. Dispossessed for the late Ipswich goal and probably should have done better.


Luke Shaw 5


Better than against Hull City, but still not a good display from Luke Shaw. He was given a hard time by the Ipswich forwards, and committed very early for the opener, and was sluggish when trying to get back. Desperately needs competition or a replacement at left-back, with it being a position opposition teams are targeting.


Youri Tielemans 7


Looked much more comfortable than he did last week, and was always looking to get on the ball. Delivered some good passes and connected well with Kobbie Mainoo. Can help United control games well, especially against teams who will want to sit back.


Kobbie Mainoo 9


Aside from Bruno Fernandes, he was the standout player on the pitch. When Mainoo is on the pitch, United play so much better. The young midfielder was combative, ran back when needed, looked slick and tidy in possession, and also delivered some brilliant passes, particularly one to Cunha to win the penalty. Mainoo deserves to stay in the team for next week. Once Carlos Baleba is in contention, it will be interesting who drops out.


Bryan Mbeumo 7


Seemed to switch off to not track back for the Ipswich opener, but he was a constant threat going forward. While his finishing can sometimes be rash, he is always pushing forward and looking to create. Got a fabulous goal late on. Consistent.


Bruno Fernandes 9


The Portuguese captain proved to be the matchwinner yet again. He had a relatively quiet game until he was fed through by Cunha and fired in the equaliser. From that point on, Fernandes was on fire. He slotted the penalty and then got his third for a hat-trick. Fernandes also produced the assist for Mbeumo's lobbed goal. He seemed ready to take more shots on than last season, a welcome change given how good his finish is. When Fernandes is on it, he is unstoppable.


Marcus Rashford 8


One of the brightest performances we have seen of Marcus Rashford in a United shirt in over three years. He was full of intent, driving towards opposition defenders and produced some excellent crosses. Rashford was aggressive tracking back, winning the ball back on a number of occasions. A welcome return to Old Trafford.


Matheus Cunha 7


Looked much better than last week when leading the line. Fed Fernandes through for the leveller, and he also won the penalty. His movement caused Ipswich plenty of problems, while also freeing up his teammates.


Substitutions


Noussair Mazraoui 6


Looked alright at left-back, and while he did not offer as much going forward as Shaw, he calmed things down defensively.


Leny Yoro 6


Slotted in at right-back, and he was cool and composed.


Andrey Santos 6


Had to make way for Mainoo, and he was brought on late into the game, producing some slick passes.


Patrick Dorgu 6


Did not have much time to make an impact, but was his powerful self.


Benjamin Sesko 6


A late substitution, and he still clearly needs match sharpness to start games.


Head Coach - Michael Carrick 8


Made some key changes to his starting line-up, and they worked very well, with all four changes having a big impact on the game. Rashford and Mainoo were excellent, while Dalot and Martinez provided more composure. Carrick will face tougher opposition, but he will be happy with the win and to have some points on the board after last week's shock. There are still glaring weaknesses in the team, but the fact that he has a firing attack to cover for some of those weaknesses will fill him with plenty of hope.

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