Anthony Martial’s return from injury has been crucial to Manchester United’s upturn in form, says Daniel James.
The French forward was out of action with a thigh injury for nearly two months from late-August till mid-October, during which time the Red Devils really struggled for goals.
Martial got back on the pitch in the draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League and since then has played in five United wins out of six games.
The 23-year-old scored in three of those matches and has also been laying on goals for his team-mates, providing two assists in the 3-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.
James believes that the striker has given the Red Devils a focus in attack and has helped get the best out of the other forwards.
‘Since he’s come back in, we’ve got that focal point,’ said the Welshman after the win over Brighton.
‘He’s a great link-up player. He can come short or go in behind. It’s been important for me and for Marcus since he’s come back into the team to get that interlink.
‘Since he’s come back, he’s got goals and he’s got assists and he’s been great for us.’
The Red Devils have climbed to seventh in the Premier League after an improved run of results, now just one point off fifth place, as they look to edge towards the Champions League spots.
James’ form has tailed off a little after a blistering start to life in the Premier League, at least in terms of goal-scoring.
The 22-year-old scored three times in his first four Premier League contests, after signing from Swansea over the summer, but has not found the back of the net since.
However, he says he is remaining calm and has thanked manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for showing so much faith in a top flight rookie.
‘Coming in was always going to be tough and it was going to be different from playing in the Championship,’ James continued.
‘I think I’ve taken it in my stride, tried to calm myself down a bit and think, “I’m here for a reason”.
‘At the start of the season, I maybe didn’t think I would play as much. Every game I’ve been learning and the gaffer has trusted me and I’ve really enjoyed it.’
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