03 March 2024 , 16:21
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Gary Neville showered praise on Marcus Rashford following the Manchester United forward's stunning goal in the Manchester derby.
The England star, 26, has struggled for form this season after plundering a career-best 30 goals last year and has even been hit with disciplinary action on two separate occasions. But he enjoyed his finest moment of the campaign so far at the Etihad on Sunday when his 25-year thunderbolt arrowed past Ederson.
Neville, who was on commentary for Sky Sports, was audibly delighted and was quick to pay tribute to Rashford, who had urged fans to stick with him in midweek during an emotional message shared via The Players Tribune.
Neville said: “He said in the week, ‘If you back me good, if you doubt me better’ but that's the best way to answer everybody. Smash one in the net from 25 yards, absolutely incredible.”
Despite Rashford's poor form this season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he could be the difference maker in the derby - providing he played with the right attitude.
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The Dutchman told Sky Sports: "What [Rashford] can take from the past is that he can score a lot of goals. He can score against the biggest opponents in the world and against the best defenders in the world. It's just about him; if he has his attitude right on Sunday, he is unstoppable.
"It's about him. Of course, we have to serve him, that's a part of it, but in all the games against City he had big chances to score goals. He's also scored plenty of goals against Man City, especially at the Etihad."
Join the debate! What did you make of Rashford in the Manchester derby? Let us know here.
Erik ten Hag claimed Rashford could be "unstoppable" in the derby if he played with the right attitude (Sky Sports)Ten Hag headed into the match under pressure after United lost against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend. United did respond positively to that setback in midweek by booking an FA Cup quarter-final date with Liverpool at Nottingham Forest's expense.
Rashford's goal was lauded by Roy Keane during Sky Sports' half-time analysis, with the former Manchester United captain branding it a "world-class finish".
He said: "It was a brilliant goal, it’s been a brilliant first-half, it’s flown by, chances everywhere. Again, City will be disappointed with this. It’s a kick down the pitch from the goalkeeper, a great run from McTominay, Bruno does well and he knocks it back to Rashford. Again, straight forward, it can’t be much simpler than this. City with their arms up, McTominay makes a great run which takes the defenders away. Marcus, he’s done it before, world-class finish - there is nothing wrong with his body language today. "
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