Manchester United’s man of the moment Bruno Fernandes bagged a stunning hat-trick in an action-packed Premier League opener against Leeds at a full capacity Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side recorded an emphatic 5-1 win against Marcelo Bielsa’s side on Saturday afternoon as goals from Fernandes (3), Mason Greenwood and Fred secured all three points.
It was an all-around dominant performance from the Reds and that man Fernandes, who scored 18 league goals last season, continued his goalscoring form with three great finishes.
Mood. #MUFC | #MUNLEE pic.twitter.com/uq0iC73HcS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 14, 2021
After a wonderful through ball from in-form midfielder Paul Pogba – who picked up four assists in the game – a lethal Fernandes opened the scoring with this effort. It’s just great to hear 74,000 fans again, isn’t it?
🔊 BRUNO! ⚽️
It just had to be him…
What a ball from Paul Pogba to set up Fernandes for the opening goal! 👌 pic.twitter.com/y8lE224hCB
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 14, 2021
Leeds full-back Luke Ayling equalised early in the second half with a cracking effort but Mason Greenwood soon put United ahead again just four minutes later.
Things quickly went from bad to worse for the visitors when Fernandes scored his second of the game to make it 3-1 before sealing his hat-trick on the hour mark.
Talk about making an impact in the opening game of the season.
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 14, 2021
A first Premier League hat-trick! ✔️
Bruno Fernandes has started this season exactly how he finished the last one… 🪄
You cannot take your eyes off this game! pic.twitter.com/M9UjS3aoJS
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 14, 2021
Before kick-off, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the club’s attacking options will ease the goalscoring burden on Bruno Fernandes but he once again showcased his prowess in front of goal on Saturday.
“To be able to spread the goals across more forwards is going to be important for us,” Solskjaer said. “An attacking midfielder should not be the only player reaching 15 or 20 goals for us, no.
“Anthony (Martial) will score more goals than he did last season, Mason (Greenwood) will develop, Edinson (Cavani) started late last season so will score more goals, Jadon will come in and chip in with goals so I feel confident that the burden is not just on Bruno to score.”
BRUNO FERNANDES HAT-TRICK ⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tLOqzGoNDD
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 14, 2021
Solskjaer continued, saying: “Of course, he (Fernandes) is fantastic – his return in terms of goals and assists has been unbelievable since he came into the club.
“Marcus will, of course, miss out on the first couple of months of the season, which is not great for him, but he will come back fresh.
“Last season was disappointing but I am very confident in what I see from Anthony. I like what I see from him in training, what I see in the gym. He has the bit between his teeth again.”
Can United mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: BT Sport