Manchester City’s decision to exclude 22-year-old midfielder James McAtee from their Club World Cup squad has ignited transfer speculation, with arch-rivals Manchester United reportedly considering a move for the talented youngster.
McAtee, who returned from a successful loan spell at Sheffield United, has made notable contributions this season, including a Champions League goal and an FA Cup hat-trick. Despite these performances, his omission from the squad suggests he may not be in Pep Guardiola’s immediate plans, especially as City explores midfield reinforcements like Rayan Cherki and Morgan Gibbs-White.
The prospect of McAtee crossing the Manchester divide is particularly intriguing, given the rarity of direct transfers between the two clubs. Such a move would be the first in over a decade, adding a layer of drama to the already intense rivalry.
With McAtee’s contract running until 2026, City faces a decision: offer him more playing time or risk losing him to their fiercest competitors. As the summer transfer window approaches, this developing story promises to be one of the most talked-about sagas in English football. 
