Manchester United bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Hull City in emphatic fashion, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford. The visitors stunned United by taking the lead through Leif Davis, but Bruno Fernandes restored parity before half-time. United then exploded into life after the break, with an Ipswich own goal followed by two more Fernandes strikes to complete his hat-trick. Bryan Mbeumo added a fifth before Chuba Akpom scored a late consolation for Ipswich.
The victory not only handed Michael Carrick's side their first three points of the Premier League season but also saw Manchester United claim an unusual piece of league history.
Manchester United Break Liverpool’s Premier League Record
Manchester United have now benefitted from 80 own goals in Premier League history, moving ahead of Liverpool's previous record of 79.
The landmark came during the 5-2 victory over Ipswich, when Jacob Greaves inadvertently turned Harry Maguire's effort into his own net in the 56th minute. The goal gave United the lead after Fernandes had cancelled out Davis' opener, and it became the 80th own goal United have benefited from since the Premier League began.
It is a particularly fitting record for a club whose history is filled with dramatic comebacks and moments of fortune. While own goals are often dismissed as simple luck, consistently benefiting from them over more than three decades highlights how frequently Manchester United have been involved in situations that put pressure on opposition defences.
Liverpool, meanwhile, now sit just behind their historic rivals on 79 opposition own goals.
Bruno Fernandes Leads United’s Revival
Although the own goal created the headline statistic, Fernandes was undoubtedly the star of the afternoon.
The United captain scored three times, including a penalty, and also provided the assist for Mbeumo's goal. His performance transformed what initially looked like another difficult afternoon into a comfortable victory.
Fernandes' first goal came shortly before half-time, before he converted from the spot in the second half and completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute. His display was particularly important after United had suffered defeat against Hull on the opening weekend.
The result therefore gives Carrick's side momentum as they look to build consistency early in the campaign.
What’s Next for Man United?
Manchester United will now turn their attention to another Premier League away trip, with Everton next on the agenda. Meanwhile, Ipswich will coincidentally be facing Liverpool at home.
