De Bruyne has been surprised by how well he has done since returning from injury

Kevin De Bruyne says even he has surprised himself in returning from his hamstring surgery so seamlessly to re-establish his telepathic understanding with Erling Haaland.

De Bruyne assisted four of Haaland's five goals in their FA Cup victory over Luton, whose strategy in going man-for-man led to a bruising evening at Kenilworth Road.

In a warning to Erik ten Hag and Manchester United ahead of this Sunday’s Premier League showdown, City won 6-2 against that tactical approach, with 21-year-old Teden Mengi the unfortunate defender tasked with tying down Haaland.

There was no stopping the striker when being fed by the brilliant De Bruyne, who is now on 12 assists despite missing six months of the season through his injury.

One of Haaland’s five goals involved him holding up a long ball, giving it to De Bruyne, turning and sprinting forward without ever looking back – because he knew the assist was coming. While it was a brave plan from Luton, it was one ultimately undone by this deadliest of duos as they gratefully accepted the space they were afforded.