Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Man City fans make their feelings clear on James Trafford after FA Cup win vs Salford City: 'I can't explain it...'

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Man City supporters were left speechless by James Trafford during the win over Salford City, but many are now accepting his impending departure.

Many believed that the academy graduate would become the first-choice shot-stopper when Pep Guardiola brought him back to the Etihad Stadium during the summer.

However, within just days of his arrival, the Citizens signed PSG superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has quickly become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

The Italian international is absolutely undroppable for a key game, but with Man City taking on Salford City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 14 February, Guardiola rang the changes.

Trafford jumped at his chance to impress, and with multiple clubs interested in his signature, he might have just caught the eye of many others.

James Trafford looking focused for Man City
James Trafford filled in for the benched Gianluigi Donnarumma. (Credit: Imago)

Man City fans have accepted that James Trafford will leave in the summer

Multiple supporters agreed that Trafford was City's best player of the game, with another labelling him "special" after denying Ben Woodburn an unlikely equaliser at the Etihad.

The League Two side had very few opportunities, but when they did have a sight of goal, the former Burnley man was there to bat any shots away, or in this case, tip them over the crossbar.

A third fan was stunned by his "wonderful performance," one that kept City from being embarrassed by Salford, before Marc Guehi came on to score a second and secure their spot in the fifth round.

  • @DxBruyneSZN: "James Trafford with another clean sheet and wonderful performance. He saves us a lot in these games."
  • @gospel51881: "Not better than Donarumma, but too good to be on the bench.... What a save by James Trafford to deny Salford a goal."
  • @Goldco69: "James Trafford is too good to be a backup."
  • @SxrgioSZNL "James Trafford is way too good to be a backup, unfortunately."

Should Trafford keep his spot in the team vs Newcastle United?

The 23-year-old staying in the team should not be totally ruled out, especially after a bright performance in the FA Cup fourth round, but supporters will not be holding their breath ahead of the game.

With the Citizens closing in on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title, they cannot afford any slip-ups, and Guardiola will have no time for bruised egos between now and the end of the season.

There is absolutely no doubt that Donnarumma is one of the most in-form goalkeepers in the top tier of English football, or even in world football, giving Trafford a huge dilemma ahead of the summer.

Very few would blame him if he were to leave for a better opportunity ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, given that he is highly unlikely to travel with the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Trafford will feel that he's done enough to deserve a start against the Magpies, but it remains unlikely.

Manchester City
Salford City
James Trafford
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