Anthony Martial enjoyed the game of his life as his hat-trick helped Manchester United steamroll Sheffield United in a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Manchester United bounced back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sheffield United at the Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The Red Devils were looking like the better side right from the beginning as the Blades, without their key defender John Egan and goalkeeper Dean Henderson struggled to maintain a disciplined and organised setup that is quite synonymous with Chris Wilder’s side.
As a result, the home side found the early 7th-minute opener through Anthony Martial. It was followed by a couple of missed opportunities, which coincided with Sheffield gaining a bit more traction on the ball. However, another goal from Martial late in the first half slashed their hopes of a potential turnaround in the second half.
And quite unexpectedly, the Blades were willing to just sit back and preserve their excellent defensive record this season. It allowed the Manchester United players to literally camp themselves in the opposition territory as a 74th-minute goal from Martial completed his hat-trick.
3️⃣ goals for @AnthonyMartial ? 3️⃣ points for #MUFC#MUNSHU @Chevrolet
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 24, 2020
It was followed by a historic quintuple substitution as manager Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer shuffled his pack in order to see out a comfortable and deserved victory. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Manchester United players this evening.
David de Gea: 5/10
The Spaniard had very little to do throughout this evening as Sheffield United provided little threat going forward. In fact, the Blades only mustered one shot on target. Even in the build-up game, the goalkeeper was barely involved, amassing only 20 touches.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 8.5/10
Wan-Bissaka was a major source of inspiration for Manchester United down the right flank. His unrivaled ability to win the ball back and start counter-attacks for his team is truly commendable. But more importantly, the English international delivered a host of dangerous crosses from the far side and notably provided the assist for the second goal.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
In a game that was dominated by Harry Maguire in the defensive department, Victor Lindelof offered adequate support. Especially in the build-up phase, the Swede was a viable passing option for the likes of Maguire and Nemanja Matic.
Harry Maguire: 8/10
After a disappointing performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, Maguire successfully managed to recover his form as he had absolutely no difficulty dealing with the Sheffield United attackers.
Indeed, the centre-back imposed his physical presence upon the likes of Lys Mousset and David McGoldrick throughout the game, clearing long balls and making important tackles. Maguire’s defensive contribution was critical in minimising Sheffield’s offensive prowess.
Luke Shaw: 8/10
Luke Shaw was very responsible in the first-half, offering support not only to the attackers but also to Maguire on the left side of the defence. But, thanks to a late first-half goal, Sheffield were willing to drop deep and defend after the restart, which allowed the left-back license to go forward.
Shaw instantly became the most active United player in the final third, constantly causing havoc for the opposing defence with his darting runs and accurate crosses into the box. A magnificent display from the ex-Southampton star.
Nemanja Matic: 8/10
Replacing Scott McTominay in the holding midfield role, Matic took the responsibility with aplomb, distributing possession and playing a key role in build-up. The Serbian also made a number of ball recoveries over the course of the game, making him one of the most efficient performers this evening.
Nemanja Matic’s game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
100% long pass accuracy
95% pass accuracy
8 ball recoveries
0 foulsWonderful performance. ?? pic.twitter.com/EyjL7ZElYS
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 24, 2020
Bruno Fernandes: 9/10
Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly one of the best performers on the pitch. The Portuguese international started the game on the front foot, bombarding the Sheffield United defence with his brilliant passes, combination play and vision. He was also a threat from long-range while his almost telepathic combination with Paul Pogba was simply a joy to watch.
Paul Pogba: 8.5/10
Making his first start since returning from an ankle injury, Pogba was once again influential in central midfield. He offered the dynamism going forward, linking up with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Fernandes. A sublime solo run that saw him dribble across four Sheffield United players was the highlight of Pogba’s performance this evening.
Paul Pogba vs. Sheffield United [field rank at time of being subbed off]:
5 successful take-ons [1st]
4 chances created [1st]Special. ??? pic.twitter.com/IUEF9Pthmr
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 24, 2020
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Rashford had a rather disappointing start to the game, missing arguably the biggest chance within the first quarter of the game. But, he vindicated his mistake with a strong second-half display that saw him create a host of opportunities for Martial. Finished the game with two assists for his strike partner. This performance should definitely boost the confidence of the English international going forward.
Anthony Martial: 10/10
It was by far the best performance from Martial in a Manchester United kit. The Frenchman was hungry to score goals right from the beginning and it was evident too as he often looked to get behind the Sheffield backline. He utilised the absence of John Egan to good effect, sliding through pockets of space through neat one-twos with the likes of Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
Anthony Martial’s game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
92% pass accuracy
4 shots (3 on target)
3 successful take-ons
3 goals
1 big chance createdStatement performance. ??? pic.twitter.com/2dtyRrXjWy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 24, 2020
However, what really caught the eye of onlookers was Martial’s exquisite finishing that saw him score the first hat-trick in his professional career. He also became the first Manchester United player to score a hat-trick since Robin Van-Persiein 2013 and the first one to do so in the post-Alex Ferguson era. A dream performance indeed.
Mason Greenwood: 8/10
Greenwood’s performance was completely overshadowed by Martial’s hat-trick. But, the youngster deserves credit for always making something happen in the final third despite intense marking. He certainly looks like a better option than Daniel James in the offensive unit right now.
Substitutes
Daniel James: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Scott McTominay: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Juan Mata: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Odion Ighalo: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Andreas Pereira: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
