James McCarty scored a hat-trick as Manchester City beat League Two side Salford City 8-0 at the Etihad Stadium, easing into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Jeremy Doku scored twice, Jack Grealish ended his long goal drought and youngsters Divin Mubama and Nico O Nico O’Reilly also scored in a one-sided game at the Etihad Stadium.

It was a brutal performance in a city that has changed a lot, with fans reveling in the beating they took on the “Class of ’92” crowd.

Neville had an unforgettable night at his rivals’ home ground

Gary Neville was one of this group of famous ex-Manchester United players who was jeered mercilessly as the goal flew in.

The England defender turned pundit and businessman was not actually present to witness the rout, but his colleagues Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes were in the stands to witness the harrowing details.

Sporting director Ryan Giggs, who also had a behind-the-scenes role, was also closely watched in the technical area as the most important game in Salford’s history quickly turned sour.

City made nine substitutions from the side that defeated West Ham last weekend and took the opportunity to hand a debut to 20-year-old Mbama and more experience to 19-year-old O’Reilly and Javier Mai Simpson-Poussey.

Simpson Pusey is one of only two professional defenders in the squad, along with the experienced Nathan Ake, but Guardiola has plenty of strength on the bench and should things go wrong, Guardiola has enough protection.

However, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden only had to sit on the sidelines as City quickly established control.

The home side took the lead after just eight minutes when Matheus Nunes seized possession and passed the ball to Grealish, who passed it over for Doku swept Matty Young from a tight angle.

The second goal came after 20 minutes when Savinho came on for Nunes, who retreated and Mbama easily finished the shot.

Salford had a chance to respond and City eased the pressure, Kylian Kouassi firing past Ederson after a good run and then Hakeeb Adelakun )’s wonderful cross and shot.

Kevin Berkoe also made a tackle, but City simply stepped up the pace in response.

Doku snaked his way to the touchline and O’Reilly firmly scored his first senior goal just before half-time.

Grealish, who had not scored in club football since December 2023, scored again four minutes after the break.

The England international could have scored from the air following a poor Mbama backpass but made no mistake from the spot after being brought down by Osama Ashley.

City’s fifth goal came from a fluid move shortly after Nunez released Doku, whose first-time cross was deftly guided by McCarty.

Things soon began to spin out of control for Salford, who were awarded a second penalty when Doku’s shot hit captain Curtis Tilt’s arm.

Doku sent Young the wrong way this time and the goalkeeper was beaten again when substitute Foden’s shot was well controlled and deflected by McCarty.

McCarty completed his treble nine minutes from time when he met Grealish’s cross.

Man of the Match – James McCarty

Manchester City hat trick hero James McCarty He told the BBC: “I was very frustrated in the first half and didn’t see much of the ball. When the first ball came in my confidence grew and I kept scoring.

“I’ve been coming here since I was 10 years old and this is a special moment for me. I will always remember it. I don’t think I need to prove myself but to go out and show people what I can do, it’s It’s a wonderful moment for me.”

Robinson: A silver lining to who we want to be

salford boss Carl Robinson He told the BBC: “You always know you’re affected by the quality of the game.

“Man City and Pep have never disrespected anyone and tonight they showed us why they are who they are and why he is who he is. We need to dust ourselves off and what we have achieved in 12 months Made so much progress and got to where we are now in the league.

“We have a goal and that’s to get out of this league. It’s a glimmer of hope for who we want to be and we know we have a lot to improve on and we know where we want to be.”

What’s coming?