Eddie Nketiah scored on his Leeds United debut as they swept past League Two Salford City to reach the Carabao Cup second round.

The hosts – watched on by co-owners Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville – looked lively early on but fell behind when on-loan Arsenal striker Nketiah tapped home Helder Costa’s low cross.

Gaetano Berardi doubled Leeds’ advantage, flicking in Costa’s near-post corner, with Mateusz Klich bending in a third from the edge of the box.

Salford, making their debut in the competition after four promotions in five seasons, tested Kiko Casilla through Danny Whitehead and Richie Towell but largely faded in the second half.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson also watched on at the Peninsula Stadium, with Salford co-owned by six of his famous Class of ’92 – including David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

But after overcoming a sticky start, which saw Leif Davis clear a Towell volley off the line, two-time finalists Leeds grew into the tie.

Jamie Shackleton’s defence-splitting pass led to Nketiah’s opener but Klich grabbed the goal of the game, showing determination and dribbling ability before finding the corner.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side could have had more, though Salford came close to a consolation when Casilla misjudged a cross and Berardi scrambled clear to save his blushes.

Leeds will face fellow Championship side Stoke City in the second round at Elland Road.