Marcus Rashford produced a moment of brilliance to fire Manchester United into an early lead against Manchester City in the derby at the Etihad on Sunday.
The England forward, who has faced criticism from fans for his performances for United this season, has been well below the level he showed last season.
In 2022/23, Rashford netted an impressive 30 goals in 56 games for the Red Devils in all competitions, but he had hit only five ahead of Sunday's derby clash.
This strike was a special one, though, and a return to form for the 26-year-old in a huge fixture.
Rashford received the ball from Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese held the ball up outside the City area and rolled a low pass back to the Manchester-born forward.
Over 25 yards from goal, Rashford unleashed an unstoppable right-footed drive which flew past Ederson and into the Brazilian's top-right corner to give United the lead after eight minutes.
Marcus Rashford that is SENSATIONAL! 🔥🤯 pic.twitter.com/FW6jYbGdheMarch 3, 2024
A win for United in the derby would keep Erik ten Hag's side within eight points of the top four, with Aston Villa currently occupying the final Champions League space and Tottenham five points behind Unai Emery's men in fifth.
Such a result would also do a huge favour to United's fierce rivals Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp's side four points ahead of City at the top of the table ahead of Sunday's derby clash.
In the derby at Old Trafford in late October, United were beaten 3-0 by City.
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