Guardiola relishing 'hometown' FA Cup tie with class of 92's Salford / Photo: Oli SCARFF - AFP
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Guardiola relishing 'hometown' FA Cup tie with class of 92's Salford
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's famous "class of 92" group of former players will make "smart" decisions to help Salford City climb further up English Football League.
City host the League Two side in one of Salford's biggest ever games in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Owned by a group of former United stars including David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, Salford have risen through the non-League ranks since their investment began in 2014.
"They won a lot of titles, these generational players. They won a lot of money so they can buy clubs. It's good," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"There's Gary Neville, David Beckham, I don't know all the players involved but they are smart people and when people from football run football clubs they always take smart decisions.
"They are in League Two and I'm pretty sure they want to rise like (League One) Stockport. The higher you are, the better your perspective."
As well as the spice of Salford's United connections, there is also a local dimension to the fixture for Guardiola.
"I've lived in Salford for the last eight years so I will play against my neighbourhood," added Guardiola. "My home town where I am living!"
After an amazing slump that saw Guardiola's men win just once in 13 games, they have began to turn a corner with victories in their last two outings against Leicester and West Ham in the Premier League.
A lengthy injury list has been at the heart of City's struggles and Guardiola is beginning to get some key personnel back.
Goalkeeper Ederson and Oscar Bobb, who broke his leg in pre-season, are back in training, but defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri remain out.
W.P.Walsh--NG
