New season but a distinctly familiar script for Manchester United. They could be grateful for that, too. Even after a summer when they have spent £150m on midfielders, their finest remains the same. It is no secret that Bruno Fernandes is by far and away their outstanding individual in the era since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. In the week he was crowned PFA Player of the Year, Fernandes began his bid to retain the award with a reminder of his extraordinary productivity. A third United hat-trick was followed by his first assists of the season. What began as proof of his capacity to spring comebacks turned into a masterclass that inspired a rout.
Recognition from his fellow players came in a campaign when Fernandes was the creator supreme, with a record 21 Premier League assists. Nevertheless, he only scored nine goals. Now, after serving as the scourge of Ipswich, he is a third of the way to that tally already. United, unconvincing initially, were rampant at the end, Fernandes the catalyst for a transformation as they amassed 33 shots.
