Manchester City 8-0 Salford: Player Ratings as Youthful Citizens run riot in goal frenzy | FA Cup Third Round 2024-25

A Manchester City lineup filled with young stars shone brightly as they decimated lower opposition Salford City. They won 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup at the Etihad on Saturday, January 11.

Pep Guardiola opted for a heavily rotated lineup, with youth attacker Divin Mubama earning his first start for the side. Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee also featured alongside Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from the club's youth setup.

It was the dream start for Manchester City, taking the lead inside six minutes. Jack Grealish laid off a simple pass to Jeremy Doku whose effort went in off the post to make it 1-0. The hosts wasted no time in putting their pedals to the metal, adding another through Mubama. The striker tapped home into an empty net following a sweeping move from the side, set up by Matheus Nunes.

Just before the half ended, City added their third through O'Reilly. Doku turned provider, finding the midfielder whose accurate finish made it 3-0 after 43 minutes. A timid Salford side's performance withered further in the second half as Manchester City put them to the sword. Grealish opened proceedings early in the second half, winning and converting a penalty before McAtee joined in on the act, turning in a cross from Doku.

The Belgian winger continued to stand out in the fixture, earning a spot-kick and scoring to make it 6-0 after 69 minutes. McAtee joined him on a brace just three minutes later, taking on a scuffled effort from Phil Foden and firing past the keeper.

The academy prospect made it a memorable day for himself, completing his hat-trick. A great cross from Grealish landed towards him and he knocked it home with ease, completing the rout.

The dominant performance from Manchester City is sure to provide their players with the motivation to climb back towards the top four of the Premier League. Here are the player ratings:

Manchester City Player Ratings

Ederson - 6/10

The Brazilian would love to play in more such games. He had to make just a single save in what was a very quiet night as Manchester City completely dominated the affair.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - 6/10

A decent display from the youngster who earned some valuable minutes but questions remain over his readiness for some of City's more high-profile fixtures.

Nathan Ake - 6.5/10

Ake enjoyed a solid first half, coming close to scoring before being taken off for Akanji to rest his legs.

Nico O'Reilly - 7/10

Usually deployed in the middle of the park, the youngster saw himself towards the left of City's build-up. He shone in moments and finished smartly for his first goal of the season.

Matheus Nunes - 6.5/10

Another player put slightly out of position but Nunes did well going forward, combining well with his teammates.

Ilkay Gundogan - 6/10

Gundogan will be disappointed to have not contributed more as the German seemed to be sluggish at times with his passing and movement.

James McAtee - 9/10

McAtee took home the match ball, putting three past the keeper in the second half in an incredible display. He caused the Salford defense all sorts of problems with his movement in the box, making him tough to mark as he collected three goals.

Jack Grealish - 7.5/10

Grealish continues to revel in the more central role as opposed to playing on the right wing. He collected two assists and in his first goal in over a year, a certain boost to his confidence.

Savinho - 6.5/10

A solid performance from the in-form attacker who probably did not get involved as much as he would have liked before being taken off in the second half.

Divin Mubama - 7/10

Mubama scored on his debut for Manchester City with a simple tap-in and was decent otherwise.

Jeremy Doku - 9.5/10

Doku displayed a clear disparity in talent between the two sides. The Belgian was a menace from either flank for Manchester City as the visitors had no answers for his ball-carrying and pace, scoring twice and setting up two more.

Substitutes

Manuel Akanji - 6/10

Came on for Ake and was comfortable in seeing the game out.

Phil Foden - 6.5/10

His botched effort led to McAtee's second but he could have done better going forward in his cameo.

Mateo Kovacic - 6/10

A solid display towards the end of the game.