cruised into the fourth round with an emphatic 8-0 demolition job of Salford City in what proved to be a grudge (mis)match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side produced a professional display to warm up the sub-zero stadium and humble the League Two promotion-chasers.

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were the Class of '92 representatives on enemy grounds, but there was no sign of Gary Neville. Ryan Giggs, also a co-owner, continued his unique assistant coach role on the bench.

Jeremy Doku, Divin Mubama, Nico O'Reilly, Jack Grealish and James McAtee scored the goals to guide City to a third consecutive win in all competitions.

Ederson - 6

Unsurprisingly wasn't tested.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - 7

Enjoyed his return to Guardiola's starting line-up. Produced an accurate long ball in the build-up to Doku's opener and almost doubled the lead, only to be denied on the goalline.

Nathan Ake - 6

Didn't look at full fitness in a comfortable outing for City's back three and was replaced by Manuel Akanji at half-time.

Nico O'Reilly - 8

Dream evening's work. Showcased pace, power and confidence on the ball and topped it offer with his first professional goal.

Matheus Nunes - 7

Continued to look better out wide than he has in midfield since joining City. Provided the assist for Mubama's tap-in.

James McAtee - 9

Hat-trick hero. Could easily be a 10, in fairness, but wasn't as involved in the first half.

Guardiola needs to use him more in the second half of the season and surely acknowledges his continued snubs as a mistake. Rarely looks out of place in this City team. Took his first goal very well.

Ilkay Gundogan - 7

Has not had a good time of things since returning to Manchester but had a comfortable night.

Jack Grealish - 8

Creative display. Hadn't scored a goal since December 16, 2023, before adding a fourth from the penalty spot. He was never giving the ball to the "young lad" like Danny Murphy suggested on BBC's commentary.

Savinho - 5

Fired a few shots off but the £31million summer signing looked far inferior to his wing counterpart, Doku.

Jeremy Doku - 10

Two goals, two assists, most chances created, most dribbles completed and a 100 per cent pass accuracy. Player of the Match.

It's easy to focus on the opposition, but this was a perfect display. Salford couldn't contain his pace and power with the ball on his feet, and he displayed relentless creativity that has often been scarce since his arrival.

Divin Mubama - 7

A rewarding first City start for the 20-year-old. It was impossible to miss the open goal gifted to him by Nunes.

Manuel Akanji - 6

One of the most comfortable 45 minutes of football he'll ever have.

Phil Foden - 7

Played 35 minutes, created two chances and notched an assist.

Mateo Kovacic - 6

Standard procedure.