Every player in the world of football will love to score a hat-trick, but the feeling it comes with when scored against a European giant like Manchester United is unmatched. In the history of the Premier League, certain moments stand out as truly unforgettable. Among them are individual players who managed to score hat-tricks against Manchester United, one of the most successful and storied clubs in English football.
This article reveals the eight players who have scored a Premier League hat-trick against the 13-time champions.
David Bentley
In a Premier League clash at Ewood Park in 2006, Blackburn Rovers hosted Manchester United. David Bentley, a talented young midfielder at the time, announced himself on the grand stage by scoring a hat-trick against the Red Devils.
His clinical finishing and composure in front of goal shattered Manchester United’s defence and propelled Blackburn to a narrow 4-3 victory, a testament to his ability to singlehandedly influence the outcome of a match. This unpredictable performance highlighted the ever-present element of surprise in the beautiful game.
Dirk Kuyt
In March 2011, Dirk Kuyt etched his name into the history books as he became the first Liverpool player in 21 years to score a Premier League hat-trick against United. The Dutch international rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with the Anfield faithful.
His tireless work rate and clinical finishing were on full display as he singlehandedly ran riot at Anfield to inspire Liverpool to a convincing 3-1 victory. Kuyt’s performance was not just about goals; it embodied the dedication and fighting spirit that endeared him to the Liverpool fans.
Romelu Lukaku
Of all the players who scored a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku is the only one who did it as a substitute. The Hawthorns witnessed a goal-fest in May 2013 as West Bromwich Albion, with Romelu Lukaku -on loan from Chelsea – hosted Manchester United.
Lukaku, a young Belgian striker then establishing himself, unleashed his predatory instincts, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in a thrilling 5-5 draw. His physical presence and knack for finding the net proved to be a constant challenge for the Manchester United defence.
Samuel Eto’o
Former Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o left an undeniable mark on the Premier League during his stint at Chelsea. In January 2014, at Stamford Bridge, Eto’o delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing, dismantling Manchester United’s defence with a well-taken hat-trick.
His experience and predatory instincts shone through as he led Chelsea to a dominant 3-1 victory, leaving the Manchester United defence utterly shell-shocked. This performance was a stark reminder of Eto’o world-class ability.
Mohamed Salah
October 2021 saw Egyptian maestro Mohamed Salah paint Old Trafford red, not literally, but with his electrifying performance against Manchester United. Liverpool ran riot, demolishing their rivals 5-0, with Salah at the heart of the destruction.
His blistering pace and clinical finishing were simply too much to handle for the Manchester United backline, as he notched a memorable hat-trick. This dominant display served as a statement of intent in the title race, highlighting Liverpool’s dominance on that day.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian prodigy hailed as one of the brightest talents in world football, announced his arrival in the Manchester derby with a stunning hat-trick for City. In a thrilling 6-3 victory over United at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland showcased his incredible potential with a clinical display of finishing. His lethal combination of speed, strength, and precision left the United defense in disarray.
Phil Foden
In the same memorable Manchester derby mentioned above, Phil Foden, the promising talent from Manchester City’s academy, also left his mark on the game. Foden’s creativity, skill, and eye for goal were on full display as he scored a superb hat-trick to help Manchester City secure a comprehensive 6-3 win over their neighbours. His performance highlighted his importance to the Manchester City squad and showcased his potential for stardom.
Cole Palmer
Fast forward to the present. In a recent encounter at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer stole the show with a scintillating hat-trick against Manchester United. His composure under pressure and clinical finishing were instrumental in Chelsea’s dramatic 4-3 comeback victory.
This performance not only enhanced Palmer’s burgeoning reputation but also highlighted his potential to become a future star for both club and country.