Manchester United headed into their first home Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season desperate to put the disappointment of the opening weekend behind them. After a frustrating 2-0 defeat away to Hull City, Michael Carrick faced some major selection decisions ahead of Ipswich Town’s visit to Old Trafford.
There was encouraging news on the injury front, with Mason Mount returning to team training and being back in contention after his recent fitness issue. His return offered Carrick another creative option in midfield, although expectations were that he might have to settle for a place on the bench rather than immediately returning to the starting XI.
😩 But Carlos Baleba fans had to wait.
The highly-rated new midfielder was ruled out as he continued recovering from an ankle problem. Carrick indicated that Baleba could be around two to three weeks away from making his United debut, meaning supporters would have to wait a little longer to see the big-money signing in action.
Amad Diallo was another notable absentee, while Matthijs de Ligt, Tom Heaton and Manuel Ugarte were also unavailable. Ugarte’s knee problem was particularly concerning, with reports suggesting his absence could be considerably longer.
🔥 Carrick’s predicted XI was packed with interesting decisions.
🧤 Senne Lammens
🛡️ Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw
⚙️ Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo
🎯 Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
⚡ Matheus Cunha
The potential return of Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez was another major talking point, while Marcus Rashford was pushing for a start after appearing from the bench against Hull. The idea was clear: United needed more pace, creativity and attacking aggression.
And Rashford’s return to the starting XI carried plenty of emotion. The forward was making his first league start since December 2024, giving supporters another reason to believe that a new chapter could be beginning for him at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes remained the heartbeat of the attack, with Mbeumo and Cunha expected to provide movement and danger around him. United desperately needed their attacking players to turn possession into genuine chances after struggling to create enough against Hull.
💥 Then came the response nobody could have predicted.
United fell behind against Ipswich again, but instead of collapsing, Carrick’s side exploded into life. Bruno Fernandes produced a sensational hat-trick as the Red Devils completed a thrilling 5-2 comeback victory at Old Trafford.
🔥 Fernandes equalised before half-time, United took control after the break, and the captain eventually completed his hat-trick. Bryan Mbeumo also got on the scoresheet, while an own goal helped United stretch their advantage.
Rashford also impressed on his first league start in more than a year, while Mainoo and Martínez returned to the starting lineup and helped United find a much-needed spark.
From the gloom of the Hull defeat to a five-goal Old Trafford comeback, Manchester United’s second Premier League outing turned into a statement of intent. 🔴🔥
Bruno Fernandes delivered. Rashford showed promise. Mainoo returned. And Old Trafford finally had something to celebrate. 👑⚽
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