Bruno Fernandes' comments following Manchester United's 2-0 derby win over Manchester City shot down any suggestion from Roy Keane that he is not a leader.
The Portuguese scored a first half penalty before Luke Shaw doubled the visitors' lead shortly after the break.
United held on to claim a big away win against their rivals as Fernandes finally pulled through against one of the big six.
The playmaker has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for his performances against the league's tougher opponents and for a large source of his goals coming from penalties.
And prior to kick-off, former United midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane also called his leadership into question.
“When you’re walking off and one of your teammates is coming on and you’re throwing your arms up in the air, that’s disrespectful to your teammate," said Keane. "And you’re on about a leader!”
He added: "I know players are under pressure to do interviews and respond to criticism, but just get on with it.
"Don’t be such a baby. Focus on the game today and produce against a brilliant Man City team, end of story.
"If he does well, we praise him and if he doesn’t, he’d better be ready."
But following the victory, Fernandes was asked about the responsibility he feels taking United's penalties. The 26-year-old replied by simply stating he doesn't mind who scores United's goals as long as the team win. Usually the sign of a good leader.
"Every penalty has the same pressure for me," he told MUTV .
"It’s always pressure to take a pen, doesn’t matter if it’s against City, or another team. It’s always pressure to take the pens.
"I like that kind of pressure. It’s good pressure. I knew what I had to do. I did it in the right way with the right power and I’m happy to score, of course.
"Honestly for us it’s about winning. People will always complain about everything. Today it will still be Bruno never scores in big games.
"They will put open play no goals, it was a penalty [and say] it doesn’t count! So for us the most important thing is winning the game.
"It doesn’t matter how you score, when the ball touches the net it’s a goal. I will be happy and it doesn’t matter if it’s me or another one scoring."
