Midfielder Phil Foden scored twice, helping Man City defeat away team Huddersfield Town 5-0, to enter the fourth round of the FA Cup

HE’S back – and needed no time to return to do what he does best.

Phil Foden cracked Man city’s 33rd minute opener on his way to a double

Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist as he returned off the bench

Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback to the Manchester City team after almost five months out due to hamstring surgery.

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne played for the second consecutive match, coming on as a substitute, and this time he had a hand in the goal. In the 74th minute, he received a ball overlapping the right sideline, ran down the sideline, then flicked the ball out for compatriot Jeremy Doku to volley from about 10 meters away, sealing a 5-0 victory for the hosts.

This is De Bruyne’s 30th assist since the beginning of last season, although he has only played three matches in all competitions this season.

De Bruyne continues to be the king of European assists, and his return brings joy to the Etihad audience. When he replaced Julian Alvarez in the 57th minute, he received the captain’s armband from centre-back Ruben Dias.

In the stands, thousands of spectators stood and applauded the captain. De Bruyne’s return is important for Man City for the rest of the season, when they still have a chance to repeat the treble.

The only question is where will Pep Guardiola play him – because Phil Foden has been enjoying the central role he normally occupies.

However, the best player in the match was 24-year-old midfielder Phil Foden, with a double. In the 33rd minute, he received a pass from Alvarez in the penalty area, a tight corner on the left. Even though the opponent was close to him, the English midfielder still caught the ball and quickly shot it to the top corner to open the score.

Town were still dusting themselves down when City struck again as Nunes played a neat one-two and burst into the box.

His pull back reached Lewis whose connection was not what he wanted but Alvarez was able to divert it on target and over the line.

In the 65th minute, he completed the double with a goal from outside the penalty area to the bottom left corner, increasing the score to 4-0.

Huddersfield is ranked fourth from bottom in the English first division, so the difference between the two teams is clearly evident on the field. The home team finished 18 times, nine times more than the away team, and also kept the ball 84% of the time despite lacking midfielder Rodri.

Man City’s attacking players coordinated well in all five goals. The away team’s own goal was unlucky, but if Ben Jackson had not headed home, Oscar Bobb’s cross could have reached De Bruyne’s empty position in the second post.

Man City won the biggest match in the third round of the FA Cup, until now. But all three remaining Premier League representatives who played today, West Ham, Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, all drew with lower-ranked teams, and will have to play again.