Shaw admits blame for Ipswich opener as United's defence leaks four goals in two games

Manchester United defeated Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, but a second consecutive defensive display that yielded two goals ensured the victory came with caveats, just days after a chastening opening-day loss at Hull.

Bruno Fernandes was the story of the afternoon, scoring a hat-trick and teeing up Bryan Mbeumo’s goal with a precise through ball in a captain’s performance that papered over the cracks at the back. United had shipped two at Hull on the opening weekend, and the pattern repeated itself against a newly-promoted Ipswich side.

The visitors took the lead when Abdul Fatawu skipped past Luke Shaw and crossed for an unmarked Leif Davis, who guided a finish in at the back post. Even after the result was beyond doubt, Lisandro Martinez was dispossessed by Julio Enciso, who laid a tap-in on a plate for Chuba Akpom to make it 5-2.

Shaw was candid in his post-match assessment. “I am a bit disappointed and angry with myself for the first goal,” the left-back said. “With the quality in our squad we should have belief all the time we can win games. Us as Manchester United should be expected to win here. After last week we were extremely disappointed and knew we had to react today. We kept the tempo high and kept going for more — that is the thing we can improve this season.”

Despite Martinez’s involvement in the second concession, Rio Ferdinand was keen to highlight the Argentine’s qualities in possession. “Martinez, by the way, we conceded two goals today, but what I would like to talk about is his ability on the ball,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “I would go as far as to say Martinez is the best centre-back on the ball in the game right now. I’m trying to think of someone else better who can break the line with passing, who can beat the press when someone comes to him and just move it, take the ball in tight areas — Martinez takes some beating. He was phenomenal on the ball today in terms of his passing, like top tier.”

Four goals conceded in two home and away fixtures against promoted opposition will nonetheless sharpen focus on United’s defensive cohesion as the Premier League season gathers pace. Fernandes’s brilliance provided the margin of comfort on Sunday, but the back line will need to tighten if United are to sustain a title challenge.