On Thursday night, Amad Diallo became the first Manchester United player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Cristiano Ronaldo’s treble against Norwich City nearly three years ago.
The Ivorian winger’s dramatic late heroics began in the 82nd minute of United’s clash with Southampton. After his initial shot was blocked by a tiring Kyle Walker-Peters, the ball ricocheted back to Amad, who calmly slotted past Aaron Ramsdale on the second attempt.
Amad then linked up with Christian Eriksen to fire United ahead in the 90th minute, stretching to volley the Dane’s pinpoint pass beyond the former Arsenal goalkeeper. As Old Trafford erupted in celebration, Amad completed his first senior hat-trick in stoppage time, capitalizing on Southampton’s defensive lapse to seal a remarkable comeback.
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The treble not only doubled Amad’s Premier League goal tally for the season but also marked the first top-flight hat-trick for United since Ronaldo’s against Norwich in April 2022. Between those two feats, 34 Premier League hat-tricks were scored by 22 players across 14 clubs, with Erling Haaland alone netting eight.
United’s scarcity of hat-tricks in recent years reflects a broader trend since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. While the legendary manager’s final title-winning season included a Robin van Persie hat-trick against Aston Villa, United went seven years before Anthony Martial’s trio against Sheffield United in 2020. Bruno Fernandes later joined the exclusive post-Ferguson hat-trick club, making Amad only the fourth player to achieve the feat for United in the Premier League era since Ferguson’s departure.
Interestingly, United have conceded six hat-tricks to opposing players during the same period, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined the club’s post-Ferguson years. However, Amad’s performance offered a glimmer of hope, showcasing a young talent stepping into the spotlight in dramatic fashion.
