Man City fans call on Pep Guardiola to swap a regular starter for a young talent after an outstanding FA Cup display.

Manchester City fans are urging Pep Guardiola to give more opportunities to one of the team’s young talents following his stellar performance in the FA Cup.

After bouncing back with a Premier League win, City began their FA Cup journey with a dominant 8-0 victory over League Two side Salford City on Saturday evening. Goals from Divin Mubama, Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish, a brace from Jeremy Doku, and a hat-trick from James McAtee highlighted the match.

The 22-year-old McAtee stood out throughout the game, catching Guardiola’s attention with his impressive display. Fans took to social media to demand more starting opportunities for the young midfielder.

One fan wrote, “James McAtee is such a talent. He should be starting for a Premier League team.” Another said, “James McAtee needs to be starting for Manchester City. Every single week.” A third added, “James McAtee should be starting every week for City.” Others chimed in with comments like, “You can’t stop greatness, Guardiola,” and, “That’s how you show Pep who you are!” One fan noted, “PEP BEEN BENCHING HIM FOR GUNDOGAN AND BERNARDO BTW.”

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the match, McAtee said: “I was quite frustrated in the first half, not seeing much of the ball. When the first one went in, my confidence grew, and I kept scoring. I’ve been here since I was 10, and this is a special moment for me—something I’ll always remember. I don’t think I needed to prove myself, but getting out there and showing people what I can do was important.”

Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer also praised McAtee, saying: “He wasn’t necessarily getting the ball he wanted in the first half, but he grew into the game, and the finishes were excellent.”

City will return to Premier League action next Tuesday when they face

Brentford.