Bruno Fernandes puts Manchester United back on track, Chelsea win again

Bruno Fernandes put in a captain’s performance for Manchester United, scoring a superb hat-trick to inspire a 5-2 comeback win over Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday and ease the pressure after their disappointing start to the Premier League season.

United opened their campaign with a shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City, prompting manager Michael Carrick to call for patience. But the home side suffered another early scare against Ipswich, one of the sides widely expected to struggle this season, when they fell behind in the 29th minute.

Fernandes took the lead before the break when he unleashed a powerful left-footed finish at the end of a counter-attack to equalize for United in the 40th minute. The Portuguese representative who was appointed The best player in the Premier League last seasoncontinued to dictate driving after the restart.

United went ahead with an own goal after Harry Maguire’s effort deflected off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves. Maguire handled the ball in the set-piece, but no foul was called as the subsequent goal came through a defender rather than directly from a United player’s shot.

Fernandes then increased the score from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, seven minutes later he completed his hat trick with a complex finish. Bryan Mbeumo capped a memorable afternoon for the visitors after pouncing on Fernandes’ pass to lift the ball over the Ipswich keeper from outside the box.

Ipswich did manage a late consolation when Lisandro Martinez lost possession dangerously close to his own goal, but it was not enough to take the shine off a much-needed victory for the Carrick side.

CHELSEA EDGE PAST BRIGHTON

Elsewhere, Chelsea survived a late scare to beat Brighton 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer continuing his encouraging return to form.

Palmer was one of the Premier League’s standout players during his first season at Chelsea in 2023–24, scoring 22 league goals. Injuries and inconsistent form have hampered his progress since then, and the midfielder was missing from England’s World Cup squad earlier this year.

With England manager Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands, Palmer made his mark late in the game by driving forward before curling a fine effort into the net from the edge of the area. His goal gave Chelsea some breathing space and effectively ended Brighton’s hopes of completing the comeback.

Chelsea took a two-goal lead within 14 minutes through Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto, before Joao Pedro added another in the 32nd minute behind Xabi Alonso.

However, Brighton refused to leave. Malick Yalcouy pulled one back shortly before half-time, while Joao Pedro inadvertently turned Pascal Gross’ cross into his own net in the second half to give the visitors fresh hope.

Palmer’s strike made it 4-2 and secured Chelsea’s second league win in a row following a 3-2 victory over Fulham earlier in the week, a game in which he also found the net. Gross scored Brighton’s third goal on the final kick-off of the game.

Chelsea’s victory was tempered by injury concerns for Moises Caicedo, who lasted just 14 minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute. Meanwhile, new signing Emiliano Martinez was handed his Chelsea debut in goal just hours after completing his move from Aston Villa.

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Published on:

30 Aug 2026 23:56 IST