Manchester United’s win over Leeds in 2021 was one of the most enjoyable home results in recent memory.
There was something special about Manchester United’s win over Leeds in 2021. Fans were back in attendance again after Covid at long last. The sun was shining, it was the opening day of the season, and new signing Raphael Varane was paraded in a suit before kick-off. The vibes were absolutely immaculate.
What came next was a performance to match. Bruno Fernandes scored his first ever Manchester United hat-trick, and Paul Pogba provided four assists. Fred and Mason Greenwood were also on the scoresheet.
Manchester United demolished Leeds 5-1, making a mockery of the rivalry between the two teams with a thoroughly one-sided victory. It was truly special.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates vs Leeds, 2021
Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images
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Bruno Fernandes showed mentality to build on success
To this date five years on, Bruno Fernandes’ treble vs Leeds remains his only Premier League hat-trick. He added another in the Europa League in 2025 against Real Sociedad.
The victory in 2021 against Leeds did prove to be a little of a false dawn for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, but Bruno Fernandes contribution has remained spectacular. Now he is chasing down a Premier League single season assist record.
Few would have predicted after United’s win over Leeds to kick off the 2021/22 season that Solskjaer would be sacked four months later.
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But there was a big twists still to come. A fortnight later Manchester United made a move that was not in their planning – signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a permanent basis.
Fernandes’ comments after the game spoke to his mentality and desire to succeed.
He told BT Sport: “With every goal and performance I want to do better. I have started with three goals but there is a long way to go.
“The team is growing up and now we try to do better. The statement today was against Leeds and the next game will be against Southampton, so we will focus game by game. We can do something with this mentality.”
He added of teammate Pogba, “We know the quality of Paul, that is not for discussion.”
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Bruno Fernandes Ballon d'Or Talking points graphic.
Credit: Getty Images.
United have struggled to match Fernandes hopes
Bruno Fernandes wanted Manchester United to build on their opening season victory and second place finish the previous season.
Instead it all fell apart. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later claimed that re-signing Ronaldo was part of the reason why.
The win over Leeds was a sign of what might have been without Ronaldo, but it would be unfair to pin United’s woes on the forward.
The 2021/22 side was flawed, and Paul Pogba was released at the end of the season. The Mason Greenwood saga happened, and new signing Jadon Sancho proved to be a major flop.
While the team did show some promise in 2022/23 at times under Erik ten Hag, it has been a continuous downward spiral since, until this year’s rebuild.
As the 2025/26 season draws towards a close, United have optimism and belief again, with Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance the one true constant.
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