Manchester United started the Premier League season off on the wrong foot, and star midfielder Bruno Fernandes spent all week thinking about how to make sure the Red Devils would bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Hull City.
"I hate losing," he said.
It showed.
Fernandes scored three of the first four goals for Manchester United in a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, bagging a hat trick that vaults him to the top of the Premier League scoring chart two weeks in. More importantly, it helped Man United avoid defeat and delight the home fans at Old Trafford.
"Obviously it was a huge week and to end with a win at home today was massive," Fernandes told the BBC after the match.
"I said before the game to be honest; there are certain days you feel it. It is one of
those days when everything comes to you and you have to take it."
In addition to Fernandes taking the reins, sandwiching goals from the run of play around a 61st-minute penalty, the home side benefitted from an own goal and saw Bryan Mbeumo score in the 82nd minute.
After downplaying the opening-round defeat, manager Michael Carrick was thrilled to get the boost the club did from the Portugal international.
"He means a lot," Carrick said. "I mean, he's the captain. He's been here for a good number of years now and experienced a whole load of different emotions.
"Times like today, when you're looking towards certain players to give us that little bit of something else, he did particularly well."
Fernandes and Manchester United now look toward a Sept. 6 trip to face Everton, which has started the season with a win and a draw.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'I hate losing' Bruno Fernandes hat trick helps Manchester United bounce back
