This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, Manchester United's Anthony Martial made history by scoring the club's first Premier League hat-trick in over seven years. The French forward's impressive performance helped his team secure a comfortable win against Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
Martial's milestone was achieved in a match where United's attacking prowess was on full display. The 23-year-old's first goal was a result of a low cross from Marcus Rashford, which he converted with a clinical first-time finish. His second goal was a delightful chipped finish over Simon Moore, after collecting Rashford's return pass.
United's decision to sell Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan in August 2019 had been a topic of discussion throughout the season. However, with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020, United's fortunes have changed significantly. Fernandes' influence has been instrumental in Martial's resurgence, with the Frenchman scoring six goals in seven league games since his arrival.
Martial's impressive form has seen him score 19 goals for the campaign, his best return in five years at Old Trafford. While he still has a way to go to match Lukaku's 27 goals from two seasons ago, he has already surpassed the Belgian's tally from last season.
United's win moves them to within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea, who will entertain Manchester City on Thursday. For Sheffield United, however, it was another disappointing day, with the Blades picking up just one point from three games since the resumption and yet to score.
