Manchester United put on a five star display as they battered newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon – and it can be traced back to one moment
Manchester United haven’t done things the easy way ever since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson – and a moment of luck proved to be the turning point in the game, and, potentially, the start of their season.
The Red Devils could not afford a second Premier League loss in as many games – after being ‘Mauled by the Tigers’ on the opening day. And it looked like it could go from bad to worse when Ipswich took the lead.
However, in the second-half, United were at their free-flowing best, coming from behind to put on a five-star show in front of the Stretford End as they ran out 5-2 winners.
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United might have been given a helping hand in turning the game around – when their controversial second was allowed to stand despite a clear handball in the build-up.
Maguire had won the ball back for the Red Devils, before attempting to fire his shot into the far corner. His strike took a deflection off Jacob Greaves on its way through and into the back of the net.
As a result, despite the handball in the build-up, the goal was allowed to stand. Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “If that shot had been on target it wouldn’t have been a goal. VAR say to the referee ‘hear me out and listen to me’ because they know it’s going to be complicated.”
In a post on X, the Premier League Match Centre explained: “The referee’s call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball.
“VAR: ‘It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal’.”
However, the moment of the match came shortly afterwards – when Carrick took the bold decision to hook both of his full-backs and replace them with Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro.
United fans were convinced it was “message” to Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot – who both left a lot to be desired with their performances.
And from that moment on, it was if the shackles had been lifted for the Red Devils – they were looking like that team that had the Stretford End dreaming again last season.
Bruno Fernandes, again, was incredible – proving why he won the PFA Player of the Season for last campaign as he netted a hat-trick.
Of course, this was only newly-promoted Ipswich. And, of course, United are battling on four fronts this season.
But after the chaos and disappointment of the opening day, this was a step in the right direction for Carrick and his side – and perhaps a glimpse of what this United team can become.