Bruno Fernandes scored a fantastic hat-trick as Manchester United battered bitter rivals Leeds United 5-1 in their season opener at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Paul Pogba also starred in the show with four assists, helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
The midfield pair of Fernandes and Pogba were simply sensational, with the former got the ball rolling for the Reds in the 30th minute. The Portuguese midfielder controlled a pass from Pogba before hitting the target with power, and though goalkeeper Illan Meslier got a touch, the ball bounced into the net.
Having been pegged back by Luke Ayling’s long-range stunner at the start of the second half, Manchester United regrouped and ran riot.
Mason Greenwood made it 2-1 with a low drive past Meslier, before Fernandes completed his hat-trick with two strikes. Fred iced the cake when he latched onto a pass from Pogba in front of the Stretford End in the 68th minute.
New signing Jadon Sancho came on for Daniel James in the last 15 minutes of the game, as the Reds matched their biggest ever opening day win in the Premier League—a 5-1 win over Fulham in 2006.
Manchester United player ratings vs Leeds United
David de Gea- 6/10
The Spaniard stayed alert throughout the game but went untested in goal. He had no chance to save Ayling’s long-range curler in the second half.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 7/10
As usual defensively excellent, Wan-Bissaka showed great energy and adventure to more forward as well and join the Manchester United attacks. Kept Jack Harrison quiet until the winger was on the pitch.
Victor Lindelof- 8/10
A very composed performance from the Swede at the back. Picked out a lovely pass for Fernandes’ hat-trick to grab an assist.
Harry Maguire- 7/10
Maguire led his troops well, brought the ball out from the back efficiently and kept Bamford at bay. An assured display from Manchester United’s skipper on the opening day of the season.
Luke Shaw- 8/10
After starring for England in Euro 2020, Shaw continued in the same manner and rarely gave Raphinha a sniff. Read the game meticulously and got well forward.
Scott McTominay- 8/10
McTominay rarely disappoints in big games and once again proved why he is so highly rated by Solskjaer. The Scotsman put in a solid shift in the middle of the park, broke plenty of play and created problems for the Leeds backline.
Fred- 8/10
McTominay’s partner in crime in midfield, Fred showed great energy and intensity throughout the game and kept things ticking for the hosts. Made the right run to score United’s fifth goal. He could have done better with the closing in for the Leeds’ equaliser, perhaps.
Paul Pogba- 9/10
One of his finest performances for the Red Devils, Pogba was utterly irresistible and registered no fewer than four assists in a simply sensational performance. Linked well with Fernandes and Greenwood, and gave another glimpse as to why he’s one of the best midfielders in Europe. The only thing lacking from the Frenchman’s performance was a goal.
Bruno Fernandes- 10/10
Bruno Fernandes put in a world-class goal-scoring display against United’s old foes, bagging the match ball inside 60 minutes. The ‘Portuguese Magnifico’, as fondly called by the Manchester United fans, proved too hot to handle for the Whites defenders and gets full marks for his magnificent display.
Daniel James- 6/10
James showed plenty of energy and endeavour to close the gaps and was a constant thorn in the Leeds backline. Made way for Jadon Sancho with 20 minutes left in the game.
Mason Greenwood- 8/10
Greenwood led the Reds’ very well, linked play well in the final third and gave the Leeds defenders a torrid time with his deceptive movement. Scored a really good goal in the second half to make it 2-1 for Manchester United to set them into top gear.
Substitutes
Nemanja Matic- 6/10
Came on for McTominay and controlled the proceedings with his calm and composed passing.
Anthony Martial- 5/10
Martial replaced Pogba with 15 minutes left on the clock. Held the ball up well and made some smart runs between the defenders.
Jadon Sancho- 5/10
Sancho made his Manchester United bow by replacing James. Showed a few neat touches and kept things simple to help his new club start the new season in an emphatic manner.
