Marcus Rashford isn’t the first young player at a top club to receive heavy criticism and he certainly won’t be the last.Some players crumble under the intense scrutiny, but Rashford’s recent performances suggest he won’t be one of them.Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, who also received plenty of criticism during his early years as a Manchester United player, Rashford is currently in the process of silencing his doubters.The 21-year-old rediscovered his form and confidence with England during the recent international break after a difficult few weeks at club level.He then scored against Liverpool at Old Trafford, netted another goal a week later against Norwich City at Carrow Road and then bagged a brace in United’s 2-1 win away at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Rashford sent United through to the quarter-finals with one of the most outstanding free-kicks seen for some time.

Roughly 35 yards from goal, Rashford hit an unstoppable knuckleball free-kick past Chelsea ‘keeper Willy Caballero. The way the ball swerved from one way to the other in the air was remarkable.

Ronaldo scored some stunning free-kicks during his six-year spell at Old Trafford, but this strike from Rashford arguably equals any of them.

Rashford’s free-kick was recorded by quite a few fans in the stands inside Stamford Bridge - and the footage posted on social media makes his goal look even more special.

This is a brilliant angle which shows just how much pace and power Rashford got on the free-kick. Incredible stuff.

By the way, check out Brandon Williams’ hands-on-head reaction. The 19-year-old couldn’t believe it and neither could anyone else.

Next we have this angle from behind the goal. Turn up the volume to hear one concerned fan saying: “Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot.”

He’ll never utter those words again when Rashford steps up to take a free-kick.

Here’s another angle from the opposite end of the same stand. Marcos Rojo was absolutely loving it.

You can really see the wobble on this angle...

This angle is also a beauty...

This one basically shows the view Caballero had...

And here’s one more from the same stand, lower down, and the pandemonium that followed…

Rashford may never score a better free-kick between now and the day he retires.