Anthony Martial’s first Manchester United hat-trick saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s in-form side coast to victory against fellow European hopefuls Sheffield United.
It was the first time Old Trafford had hosted competitive football in 108 days, the last match being 3 months ago, a Manchester derby win over cross-city rivals City.
United dealt with the unusual backdrop superbly and secured their first victory since football resumed, with Martial’s treble sealing a deserved 3-0 win against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Martial’s hat-trick was the first from a Manchester United player in the Premier League since Robin van Persie hit one 7 years ago.
Chris Wilder called this a clash between his Ford Fiesta and a Ferrari, so the Blades boss could have done without his defence stalling with seven minutes on the clock as Martial turned home Marcus Rashford’s cross.
Paul Pogba put in a promising performance on his first start since September and there was a snapshot of what could lie ahead alongside Bruno Fernandes, with the pair involved before Martial met Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross.
The France international moved onto 19 goals for the season – the best return of his career – by superbly scooping the ball over deputy keeper Simon Moore late on as the hosts secured a surprisingly routine win.
Final score: Manchester United 3-0 Sheffield United
