Football | Fernandes bags hat-trick as Man United crush Leeds

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick for Manchester United in a stunning 5-1 victory over rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Mason Greenwood and Fred also found the net for Ole Gunnar Solskjær's dominant hosts in Manchester, while Paul Pogba also registered four assists as the Red Devils made a winning start to the 2021/22 Premier League season in front of 75,000 fans.

Fernandes opened the scoring on the half-hour mark in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd, slotting his finish past Illan Meslier after Paul Pogba's excellent through ball punished the Leeds goalkeeper's poor kick-out.

Luke Ayling's wonderful strike from 20 yards three minutes after the interval drew Marcelo Bielsa side level in the 49th minute. The Leeds defender unleashed a rocket into the far top corner after being allowed far too much space outside the United box.

Greenwood restored the hosts' lead three minutes later with a crisp finish to the bottom right-hand corner after Pogba's wonderfully weighted through ball played the young English attacker in behind the Leeds defence.

Portugal international Fernandes made it 3-1 a minute later, faking a shot before cutting in on his left foot and firing a low finish into the net, with Pogba providing his third assist of the night.

The Red Devils midfielder completed his hat-trick on the hour mark with a delightful half-volley from Victor Lindelof's lofted through ball from just inside the United half.

Fred added a fifth for the hosts in the 68th minute from yet another Pogba assist, arriving in the box to side-foot the Frenchman's inviting low cross into the net to cap off a fine display from Ole Gunnar Solskjær's men.

There was also a debut for summer signing Jadon Sancho, who replaced Pogba with 20 minutes remaining. Leeds had a great chance to reduce the deficit late on when Raphinha was put through on goal by substitute Helder Costa, but the Leeds winger fired his effort wide with only David de Gea to beat.

United have now won their opening Premier League game of a season for the 20th time, while Leeds have conceded five goals or more in each of their last two away games against Manchester United in all competitions.

Next up for the Red Devils is a trip to Southampton next weekend. Leeds will host Everton at Elland Road.