Gary Neville’s Cheeky Dig at Pep Guardiola Ahead of Historic FA Cup Clash
Salford City, co-owned by former Manchester United star Gary Neville, are set to face Manchester City for the first time in history during the FA Cup Third Round in January. The League Two club will travel to the Etihad Stadium for what promises to be a David vs. Goliath encounter.
Neville’s Playful Jab at Guardiola
Following the draw, Neville took to social media to aim a cheeky dig at Pep Guardiola. Writing on X, Neville joked:
“He’s getting sacked in the morning @SalfordCityFC.”
The comment came after Guardiola endured taunts from Liverpool fans during Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. The home crowd humorously chanted, “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” to which Guardiola responded by smiling and holding up six fingers—representing the six Premier League titles he has won with City.
Salford’s Rise Under the ‘Class of 92’
Neville, alongside fellow ‘Class of 92’ legends, took over Salford in 2014 and has overseen their steady rise into the Football League. Saturday’s win over Chesterfield marked a historic moment for the club, as it secured their place in the FA Cup Third Round for the first time.
In contrast, Manchester City—seven-time FA Cup winners—are giants of the competition, having reached the last two finals. The clash with Salford symbolizes a meeting of two clubs at vastly different ends of the football spectrum.
Guardiola’s Response to the Anfield Taunts
After the game at Anfield, Guardiola addressed the chants directed at him, reflecting on the humor and rivalry in football:
“All the stadiums want to sack me; it started at Brighton! Maybe they are right with the results we’ve been having.”
The City boss added:
“I didn’t expect that at Anfield. They didn’t do it at 1-0, but at 2-0. Maybe they should have sung it in the past. I have respect for them. We’ve had incredible battles together, and it’s part of the game.”
A Game to Remember
With the FA Cup tie fast approaching, Neville and his Salford team will relish the opportunity to compete against one of the world’s best teams. For Guardiola, the match will be another chance to silence doubters and continue Manchester City’s journey toward potential silverware.
Will Salford’s underdog spirit triumph, or will Manchester City assert their dominance? January’s clash promises drama, passion, and perhaps more cheeky banter between Neville and Guardiola.
