A THREAD about how important Anthony Martial is to the team and in particular, the front players. Most people agree that he links well with Rashford, but probably not many would say that Dan James is also better when he plays. This THREAD shows some of his link up play with James

Absolutely superb play by Martial and James. You couldn’t expect any better link up. Martial recieves it well, passes it well, then darts forward, he then stops to give James a target as he runs with the ball. James gives it and gets it back again. Brilliant play by them both.

Truly magnificent football. James picks up a loose ball just outside his own box, plays it into Martial’s feet who turns beautifully and passes. He finds Pereira who puts James (who’s running the full length of the field) in behind. Martial’s turn and pass are a vital part.

Superb play by Martial. Turns as if he’s going to play left then goes back right. It’s different class how he makes himself time by dragging the ball away from the defenders with the sole of his boot. Fires a lovely pass to James which gives him a chance to run at the full back.

This goal is all about Martial. His touch takes it away from an opponent and an instant pass to Rashford beats another. Martials intentions are clear before Rashford returns it to him. A first time pass to James. A perfect example of Martial making BOTH players play better.

Great goal by Martial. He uses James twice in the move. It may be simple passing by James, but don’t underestimate it. On another day, another player might decide to run at the defenders, or try to engineer a shot for himself. It’s fantastic link up play. Worthy of ANY pairing.

VAR has to step in, but the pace of James wins Utd a penalty. Once again It’s Martial who’s the main ingredient. He wins the ball back, carries it across the field and plays a lovely reverse pass. Great pace by James, he wouldn’t get that service without Martial though.

Martial plays a pass ‘around the corner’ brilliantly. He runs towards the ball with his back to goal and manages to play a first time pass behind the full back that sets James free. James spots Pereira arriving in the box who should do better.

On this clip you can see Rashford’s position on the field is slightly ahead of James, he’s not looking though. If he’s concentrating and sets off at full pace as Martial passes to James, he could be in there with a chance. James thrives on passes from Martial.

A brilliant flick by Martial sets James free. James steadies himself in the last third and returns it to Martial on the edge of the box. Martial rarely shoots so poorly, had he scored, or even tested the keeper, more would have been said about the move between the two of them.

A simple lay off by Martial leads to James being able to get his head up to play a pass. Martial is so good with his back to goal that often these lay offs are underestimated. James probably wouldn’t even recieve the ball to make this pass if someone else was in Martial’s place.

Every decent piece of play doesn’t result in a goal, or even a chance. This could go on and on. Rashford’s partnership with Martial is blossoming. It’s worth noting though, that not only does James also play well with Martial, but Rashford doesn’t play so well when he’s missing.