Marcus Rashford hit a quickfire hat-trick off the bench as Manchester United swept aside RB Leipzig with a stunning 5-0 victory in the Champions League.
Mason Greenwood (21) broke the deadlock in what was an even first half before Rashford, who came on in the 63rd minute, took over.
The England striker, whose name is already in the headlines off the pitch for his continued fight against the Government over free school meals for school children, scored twice (74, 78) in four minutes before Anthony Martial’s first goal of the season (87) added a fourth from the penalty spot after the Frenchman was brought down by Marcel Sabitzer.
Rashford (90+2) then rounded off United’s perfect evening, completing his first senior hat-trick as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side made it back-to-back wins in Europe to go top of Group H.
After what was a fairly even opening at Old Trafford, United took the lead when Greenwood beat the offside trap to pick out the far corner with a clinical finish after being released by Paul Pogba’s through-ball.
VAR did take a lengthy look at the decision but stuck with the onfield call as United went ahead.
Despite finding themselves behind, RB Leipzig responded well to United’s goal with Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominating possession and looking a threat on the counter-attack.
David de Gea’s reflexes had to be sharp to keep out Christopher Nkunku’s powerful drive, while Dayot Upamecano wanted a penalty after being shoved by Pogba, but his claims were ignored just before the half-time whistle.
With only a slender lead, Solskjaer turned to his bench and it proved to be a superb decision as Rashford took full control of the game.
The England forward latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ through-ball before finishing comprehensively, but the offside flag went up quickly. However, VAR gave the goal the green light with Rashford starting his run in his own half.
It gave United some breathing space and Rashford made the game safe four minutes later, bursting past Upamecano before finding the bottom corner again.
United started to enjoy themselves as they cut through Leipzig for fun and Martial added a confidence-boosting goal from the spot after being brought down in the penalty area by Sabitzer’s last-ditch tackle.
Man-of-the-moment Rashford then added United’s fifth to complete a stunning hat-trick, which will keep his name in the headlines a little bit longer.
