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30 August 2026

Manchester United made a troubled start against Ipswich Town on Sunday, but eventually came through with a 5-2 win at Old Trafford.

It was their first home match of the season, and the Red Devils were under pressure to answer back after last week’s debacle against Hull City.

United were nowhere near their best in the opening stages, with the Tractor Boys going in front. Bruno Fernandes levelled matters before the interval, and the 20-time English league champions came out after the break looking like a completely transformed side.

Harry Maguire’s fortunate “goal” put the home team ahead before the club captain completed his hat-trick and also provided an assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal.

The Manchester United of previous years might have folded under the pressure, or tried merely to protect the lead instead of pressing home their advantage the way Carrick’s team did.

The centre-back was asked about how the side dealt with the defeat to Hull and how they managed to recover after falling behind against Gary O’Neil’s team.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former captain said, “We started the game really well. The goal knocked us back a lot.

“When you lose at this club, there’s a lot of noise and you feel like you’re in a crisis again. We spoke about it at half-time. We proved we could’ve got more. The season is long and we will be ready for the next match.”

Ipswich players appealed to the referee over a possible handball by the defender in the build-up to United’s second goal.

Had Harry Maguire been credited with the finish, the goal would have been ruled out, but the laws state that the referee cannot step in when it is recorded as an own goal.

Maguire said, “I haven’t actually seen it back, so I can’t really comment. I know it was tight. It wasn’t handball on purpose, that’s for sure.

“I actually dragged the shot a little bit wide. So I think it’s going to go down as an own goal, unfortunately. I think that’s why it counted because I think if it was my goal,

“I think they’d disallow it; I think those are the rules nowadays. Thankfully, luck was on our side today. I think we deserved the win.”

The England international was also asked about Fernandes’ influence, and the 33-year-old was full of praise for the Portugal international.

“Even if he’s having a bad game, you always know there’s MOMENTS when he’s going to create chances or score goals. That’s why he’s one of the BEST in the world in his position.”

The next few fixtures will be extremely demanding, with United set to face Everton and Manchester City, with a Champions League meeting against Sabah FK in between.

Harry Maguire and his team-mates will have to sort out their defensive weaknesses if they are to keep this winning momentum going in the coming weeks.