English Premier League

Martial Nets Hattrick as Manchester United Overcome Sheffield

Manchester United returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sheffield United in what could be a huge boost for their Champions League prospects.

The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford with a fierce attacking lineup, featuring Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Greenwood as a front four. Behind them, Paul Pogba returned to action with his first start since December 2019.

It took just seven minutes for the hosts to take the lead, as Anthony Martial met Marcus Rashford’s low cross at the front post to put Manchester United ahead.

The French forward converted again with a similar goal in the 43rd minute, this time converting Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into the area.

Martial and Rashford would link up again in the 74th minute, as the former snuck in behind to complete the club’s first hattrick since Robin Van Persie in 2013.

However, United couldn’t shake Wolverhampton Wanderers off their tail, who also picked up three points to keep themselves alive in the hunt for a Champions League place. Raul Jimenez scored the only goal of the game to give Nuno Espirito Santo’s men a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, keeping them level on points with the Red Devils.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa inched closer to safety with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle. The point drew them level with West Ham in the last survival spot. Meanwhile, Everton managed a 1-0 away win over Norwich City, with Micheal Keane scoring the game’s only goal shortly after half-time.