Earlier this week, Marcus Rashford said this: "If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better."
A few days later and, with questions still being raised about his below-par performances this season, Manchester United's number 10 netted one of the best goals of his career to date.
After a fairly uneventful start to Sunday's Manchester derby, Rashford silenced the Etihad when he found the back of the net with a thunderous strike from range.
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Check out the goal below:
As you can see from the footage above, Bruno Fernandes showcased some impressive hold-up play on the corner of City's box before sliding in Rashford, who beat Ederson with an unstoppable hit.
The England international has certainly had his critics of late, and he responded to that ongoing criticism in a lengthy interview with The Players' Tribune this week.
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As well as hitting back at those who question his commitment to boyhood club United, he touched on the media coverage he's received in recent months.
"Listen, I’m not a perfect person. When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better," he said. "But if you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up.
"It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man. I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge."
After speaking about a number of different topics, including the doubters, being in the football "bubble" and his hopes for the rest of the season, Rashford ended the feature with a promise.
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"I promise you, the world has not seen the best of this United squad and these players," he said.
"We want to be back playing in the Champions League, then we have a massive international tournament at the end of the season. We will be back where we belong. We just have to keep working, and that starts with me.
"If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better."
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford
