MANCHESTER — Bruno Fernandes’s hat-trick inspired a Manchester United fightback from a goal down to thrash Ipswich 5-2 and get their Premier League season up and running today.

After a nightmare 2-0 defeat to Hull last weekend, another newly-promoted side had the Red Devils on the ropes when Leif Davis opened the scoring for the Tractor Boys.

But Fernandes blasted home to level before half-time and then converted from the penalty spot after a Jacob Greaves own goal put United in front.

The United captain completed his hat-trick from close range before adding an assist to his fine afternoon for Bryan Mbeumo.

“It’s not to make up for last week, you can’t get six points from it. But second half we were very good,” said Fernandes.

“Scoring goals is the best feeling in football.”

Marcus Rashford was handed his first United start in nearly two years as Michael Carrick made four changes to the side that kicked off the campaign with a woeful display eight days ago.

Rashford and the return of his England international teammate Kobbie Mainoo made a big difference, but United were again reliant on Fernandes as a difference-maker in the final third.

Questions also remain over Carrick’s men at the back.

Senne Lammens had to save one-on-one from Julio Enciso after he broke clear from a United corner before Ipswich took the lead on 29 minutes.

Abdul Fatawu burned Luke Shaw for pace down the wing and his cross was brilliantly swept high into the net by Davis.

Moments later, the Ipswich left-back had an even better chance to double the visitors’ lead, but his tame effort was saved by Lammens.