FA Cup: Five-star Manchester City crush Huddersfield as Kevin De Bruyne returns

Manchester City sailed into the fourth round of the FA Cup as Phil Foden scored twice in a 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Sunday, but the bigger news was playmaker Kevin De Bruyne making a welcome return after four months out with a hamstring injury.

Fielding a strong side, City suffered a setback when they lost defender Manuel Akanji to injury early in the first half, but Foden's superb finishing and De Bruyne's comeback gave City supporters and manager Pep Guardiola plenty of reasons to be happy about.

Huddersfield, just above the relegation zone in second-tier Championship, fell behind in the 33rd minute when Foden rifled the ball into the net from a tight angle, and striker Julian Alvarez poked home a second four minutes later.

De Bruyne entered the field in the 57th minute and City added their third a minute later as Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb tried to pick out the Belgian at the far post, only to see his deflected cross go into the net to make it 3-0.

Foden added his second with a precise shot from the edge of the area in the 65th minute, and nine minutes later De Bruyne teed up fellow substitute Jeremy Doku to complete the rout.

"We are incredibly delighted to have him back because Kevin helps to win games. It is so important to have him back after a long injury," Guardiola said.

"He will help us with his talent but I don't want to put all the pressure on Kevin's shoulders because it is not fair.

"Of course he has a special ability and quality to do something that is difficult to find. Kevin is exceptional. He is unique."

The in-form Foden was again impressive but De Bruyne's comeback was arguably of greater significance.

The Belgian was given just over half an hour at the end of the game and he marked the