Guehi Scores First Man City Goal in Win over Salford

A much-changed Manchester City survived a couple of big scares and an injury setback to see off League Two Salford City in the FA Cup and book their place in Monday’s fifth-round draw.

The seven-time winners, who put 10 past Exeter City in the third round, got off to a flying start on Saturday when Alfie Dorrington put past his own keeper inside six minutes.

However, the hosts – who made nine changes – struggled to build on their lead and lost defender Max Alleyne to injury in the 22nd minute.

Salford, thrashed 8-0 by City in the third round last season, regrouped after conceding early and twice went close to scoring before half-time.

Former Liverpool player Ben Woodburn forced a fine save from James Trafford before Brandon Cooper headed wide from a corner right at end of the half.

Salford had further chances to score after the interval, with Dutch midfielder Kelly N’Mai firing into the chest of Trafford.

Guardiola, who was without Erling Haaland, sent on Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly to inject some energy into a lacklustre performance – and Guehi responded with his first goal for the club to put the tie to bed.

The England defender, who helped Crystal Palace overcome Guardiola’s side in last season’s final, slotted home after keeper Matthew Young could only palm a cross into his path.

Guehi, who was part of the Eagles side shocked by non-league Macclesfield in the third round, had only been eligible to play for City following a refresh to the competition’s regulations prior to the 2025-26 season.

Under the old laws Guehi would have been cup-tied, but the Football Association now deem that “a player may play for a maximum of one other club in the competition proper”, but cannot play for two different teams in the same round.

The 25-year-old is one of 27 players to have featured for two clubs in the FA Cup since the alteration.