Wanted United, got City - Salford's dream cup draw

Salford are in the FA Cup third round for the first time in their history

Facing Manchester United was the dream, but Salford City will more than accept an FA Cup pairing with Manchester City.

The Ammies will head to the Etihad Stadium in early January as they compete in the third round for the first time in the club's history.

"We wanted United, particularly for the owners of the club, but we'll take City," captain Curtis Tilt told BBC Sport.

Salford are, of course, part-owned by former United players Gary Neville, his brother Phil, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

This is their sixth season in League Two, in which they are currently 15th under head coach Karl Robinson, but victory over Cheltenham Town earned them their spot in the third-round draw.

"We're absolutely delighted," said centre-half Tilt, 33. "We couldn't have asked for anything better.

"We'll go there and see if we can cause an upset."

Pep Guardiola's City side have lost an unprecedented six of their past seven games in all competitions, but they will be huge favourites to beat the club from the Peninsula Stadium, given a gap of 78 places in the league pyramid.

Salford's co-owners may be household names but for players like Tilt, stepping out against City's Premier League stars will be a special occasion.

"I've not really drawn a big team in all my career," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It's amazing for me - my family can come and watch and it's memories I can show kids, grandkids and everyone involved. It's going to be fantastic for everyone's families."