In isolation, a routine and emphatic FA Cup third-round win for Manchester City against a side from the division below was nothing out of the ordinary, but there was a moment just after half-time that stood out.
Although two first-half goals against Huddersfield Town failed to ignite much enthusiasm among the home crowd, it was the appearance of Kevin de Bruyne warming up on the sidelines that garnered perhaps the most significant response.
Choruses of “oh Kevin de Bruyne” resonated through the stadium, followed by a standing ovation as the Belgian playmaker took to the field in the 57th minute, marking his comeback after nearly five months since sustaining a hamstring injury in the Premier League season opener.
Having been a pivotal figure in the Premier League since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Manchester City fans’ reaction to his return underscores the crucial role they anticipate he will play in the latter part of the season.
“Kevin must know how much the people love him,” Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after his side swept aside Huddersfield 5-0 to progress to the fourth round.
“He’s incredible. Kevin, until he decides to leave or retires, will forever be one of the most beloved players. We are really pleased for him.”
‘He can always see the whole picture’
Despite a prolonged absence from the game, the 32-year-old wasted no time in showcasing his vintage skills.
He played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth goal and went on to provide the assist for their fifth, demonstrating his vision by spotting Jeremy Doku—also returning from injury—unmarked inside the box and delivering a precise ball for him to score.
“We’re all talking about De Bruyne being back and this is why,” said former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who was commentating on the game for BBC Sport.
“He has the ability to pick out the one spare team-mate in the area. He can always see the whole picture.”
While Manchester City boasts a talent-packed squad, and Kevin De Bruyne’s advancing years may not make him as indispensable to their success as before, he still holds the potential for a significant impact.
In the Premier League, Guardiola’s team currently sits in third place, trailing leaders Liverpool by five points but with a game in hand. Recently, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp jokingly remarked that the whole country was “starting to shake” in anticipation of De Bruyne’s return, though there may have been a hint of seriousness behind the jest.
Guardiola, however, remained cautious, emphasizing after the Huddersfield victory that De Bruyne would require several more training sessions before being ready for a full 90 minutes on the field.
“I said before that he needs to accumulate training sessions more than games,” Guardiola added.
“At Newcastle we have another chance and then two weeks to have some good training in Abu Dhabi.”
De Bruyne agrees he will need to ease himself back into action, adding that he tried to turn his long absence from a negative to a positive after a busy few seasons for club and country.
“To be honest I enjoyed it in a way,” he said. “At the beginning it was a big blow but I knew I was going to be out for four or five months, so after the first reaction I thought to myself I needed to work hard when I’m working, but then I could enjoy the things that I’ve not been able to do with my family and friends.
“Maybe it was good to refresh a little bit. It’s not like I needed a break but I took it, to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.
“I felt good so I’m pleased about that but I’m still nowhere near where I need to be.
“There will be moments I want to play every game but I know in the back of my mind I need to take care of myself.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown also believes it will take time for De Bruyne to get back to his best.
“When you are out for such a long time, you do more gym work so Kevin de Bruyne does look a bit bulkier,” he said.
“When the game was won it was a good time to get him on, he could just feel his way into it. He got on the ball under pressure at times and made some good passes too.
“You have to tread with caution here, it is going to take a number of weeks for him to get back going.”
In 2023, Manchester City secured victory in five competitions, and in 2024, they stand on the brink of making history as the first team to clinch the Premier League title for four consecutive seasons.
The return of De Bruyne undeniably enhances their prospects of achieving this remarkable feat.