This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Peter Crouch has hailed the link-up play between Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford against Norwich on Sunday.
What did he say?
The Red Devils have been without Martial for the best part of two months after he suffered an injury earlier in August. Since then, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have relied upon Rashford to score the goals for the side as the number nine, but the England international has struggled with the weight of the burden.
Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…
Before the clash against Liverpool last Sunday, the 21-year-old had found the back of the net just three times across all competitions this season. However, after seeing the duo both get on the score-sheet against Norwich in the Premier League at the weekend, Crouch paid a glowing tribute to their relationship on the pitch.
He said (as quoted by The Manchester Evening News): “I think Martial coming back is a £50million player, French international and I think he lifts the whole front three. The link-up play between him and Rashford today was first class. He played as a nine today, Martial. The fact that Martial is playing central means that Rashford can do this, this is where he is electric.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
“They haven’t had this Man United, they haven’t been able to play it into a centre-forward and that is what Martial brought today. The goal was just first-class. This is top drawer football. The link-up play, look how close they are, a great run from Rashford and what about the backheel and finish (to create Martial’s goal). Delightful.”
Strike-force
Make no mistake about it, Martial’s return from a lay-off has had a double effect on the United side. Not only are they getting back a player who started the campaign on fire with two goals and an assist in his opening three games, but it has also allowed Rashford to go back to his most devastating position – on the left.
The duo’s pace and movement can trouble any side, and against Norwich, they were relentless with their running and directness. As per Sofascore, the pair had a combined ten shots on goal, five successful dribbles, and provided three key passes. It was a display brimming with great attacking potential, and it may just be the start of something very special indeed.
