MANCHESTER UNITED is reportedly considering a surprise move to sign midfielder James McAtee from local rivals Manchester City.
If this transfer happens, the 22-year-old midfielder would become just the 15th player in the modern era to represent both Manchester clubs at first-team level.
McAtee has made a positive impression since returning to the Etihad last summer, following two seasons on loan at Championship side Sheffield United.
The midfielder, who can also operate on the wing, has netted seven goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this season, including three goals in 13 Premier League matches.
However, the England Under-21 international`s contract expires in just over a year, and he is seeking more consistent playing time next season.
Although McAtee started in City’s recent 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in a key top-four clash, it was only his second league start of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola has previously praised McAtee, but opportunities to play significant minutes have been limited.
These opportunities could become even rarer next season, as City are reportedly interested in acquiring Nottingham Forest`s Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
Gibbs-White and Wirtz have been identified as potential replacements for the departing Kevin De Bruyne, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa.
While McAtee might hope to benefit from De Bruyne`s exit, City are looking to sign established players who can immediately integrate into Guardiola`s team.
Leverkusen`s attempt to sign McAtee on loan in January, with an option for a permanent £25 million transfer this summer, was rejected by City.
The Bundesliga club, who highly regard McAtee, ideally want to keep Wirtz, but a substantial offer for the German international, valued at around £100 million, might be difficult to turn down.
Therefore, United may need to act quickly, as Forest, Newcastle, and AC Milan are also monitoring McAtee’s situation.
Ruben Amorim, United`s manager, needs to significantly strengthen his squad, particularly in midfield, where veteran players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are often criticised for lacking pace and physical presence.
Salford-born McAtee joined the Manchester City academy at the age of 10.
He could become the 15th player to feature for both Manchester United and Manchester City in the modern era, and the first to transfer directly from the Etihad to Old Trafford in 13 years.
The last player to make that switch was Frederic Veseli in 2012. Veseli ultimately left United without making a senior appearance, despite Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly being instrumental in his signing.
McAtee aligns with United`s current transfer strategy of recruiting young players who can develop together as a unit.
Guardiola recently admitted uncertainty regarding McAtee`s future beyond the summer.
He stated: “For his age, I`d prefer him to stay. But I understand players desire more game time.
“I would like him to stay, he`s an academy player, familiar with our system. He`s a wonderful person and has trained exceptionally well.
“He is versatile and can play in various positions, but I`m unsure how the squad will look, so we will see.”
However, it remains uncertain if Guardiola would risk another young talent thriving at a Premier League rival, especially a close city competitor.
He experienced a similar situation with Cole Palmer, who quickly became a key player for Chelsea within months of leaving City.
Players Who Have Represented Both Manchester Clubs (Modern Era)
- Denis Law
- Brian Kidd
- Terry Cooke
- Peter Beardsley
- Peter Barnes
- Wyn Davies
- John Gidman
- Andrei Kanchelskis
- Sammy McIlroy
- Mark Robins
- Andy Cole
- Peter Schmeichel
- Owen Hargreaves
- Carlos Tevez
*Players who were on the books of both but did not feature at first-team level for one or the other include: Tony Coton, Shaun Goater, Jon Macken, Jadon Sancho, Frederic Veseli.