The return of Anthony Martial from injury has changed the dynamic of Manchester United's attack and had a huge influence on Marcus Rashford, according to Match of The Day 2 pundits.
Peter Crouch and Ian Wright argued that Martial's link-up play enabled United to create the chances that led to their emphatic win over Norwich City.
Martial and Rashford were both on the scoresheet in the 3-1 victory at Carrow Road and although both players missed penalties — meaning the win could have been even more convincing — they were praised for their interplay.
United scored more than one goal in a game since the opening day of the campaign and recorded their first Premier League away win since a 3-0 win at Fulham in February.
And Martial's return was heralded as the crucial factor.
"He’s a big player for Man United," said Crouch. "They have been leading the line with two 21-year-olds and that shouldn’t happen at a club of that size.
"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.
"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."
Wright added that Martial can have a transformative effect on Rashford, who he says needs a player like the Frenchman, or England's Harry Kane, to dovetail with.
"We’ve seen him do it with Harry Kane at England as well," said the former Arsenal striker.
"When he was up there on his own, it seemed like too much for him on his own but it’s just the freedom that he had. The way they linked was brilliant. Those two goals were two of the best finishes I’ve seen for a long time."
