- Manchester City fans gave Kevin De Bruyne a standing ovation on his return
- Supporters online cheered his first performance back after he picked up an assist
- IAN LADYMAN: Premier League clubs are so wrapped up in their own self-interest. They want what suits them and that isn't FA Cup replays. It all starts
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Kevin De Bruyne set up Jeremy Doku in his long-awaited return from injury for Manchester City in a brilliant second-half cameo.
City fans gave the Belgian a standing ovation and chanted his name as he made his first appearance since August, immediately embracing the armband and setting up Doku with a stunning lobbed assist.
The 32-year-old limped off on the opening night of the season against Burnley with a hamstring injury and fans have been waiting a long time for his return.
Any concerns about his powers disappearing after a long absence were quickly put to rest when he took care of Doku within 20 minutes of his entrance.
City played Huddersfield, with Phil Foden on the scoresheet twice and Julian Alvarez also scoring a goal, while Ben Jackson scored an own goal for the hapless visitors.
Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist within 20 minutes of his return after fans chanted his name and gave him a standing ovation
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Fans on social media were quick to praise the return of their hero.
“De Bruyne has been on for 30 seconds and he is already having an impact on goals… he is the greatest midfielder of all time,” wrote one on X, formerly Twitter.
“Kevin De Bruyne returns to action for Man City after five months, pure joy man,” said another.
“KEVIN DE BRUYNE COMES ON,” wrote one fan account excitedly, showing old photos of Pep Guardiola looking emotional.
“KEVIN DE BRUYNE, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY I AM,” someone said excitedly.
'KEVIN DE BRUYNE IS BACK ON THE PITCH. I PRAYED FOR TIMES LIKE THESE,” someone else wrote excitedly.
Pep Guardiola said he was not expecting top form from his superstar ahead of the match, but there were few signs he would be sidelined for half a season.
De Bruyne looked like his old self again after his comeback and made his first appearance since August
Pep Guardiola said he did not expect De Bruyne to reach his regular level but that he performed well
'I'm not asking Kevin to play at his level now. We cannot force him or any player in this situation to return from a long-term injury,” the Spaniard had said.
There was hope that he would make a comeback during the Club World Cup when he was in their squad, but no one will blame him for focusing on a good return from the treatment table.