Sheffield United have signed midfielder James McAtee on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City.
McAtee is the second player from Man City to sign for Sheffield United on loan this summer, following Tommy Doyle’s switch last month.
Having played his entire youth career at City, McAtee made his first-team debut in the Citizens’ comeback Third Round win over Wycombe Wanderers in last season’s Carabao Cup as a substitute.
The 19 year-old went on to make seven further appearances in all competitions for City last season, which included appearances in FA Cup victories over Swindon and Fulham in Third and Fourth Round respectively.
City though have decided to send McAtee out on loan to the Blades for further first-team experience and he spoke of his move, in which he said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge, I’ve been building up to a loan for a few years now and I think I’m ready.”
McAtee also praised Sheffield Utd manager, Paul Heckingbottom for his support during his arrival as he added: “Paul (Heckingbottom) was a lovely guy to meet, he showed me around and made me feel welcome. He was telling me about how he sees me playing and that’s how I see it too.”
On how he sees himself fitting within Heckingbottom’s style of play, McAtee concluded: “The way Sheffield United play suits me and hopefully I can help with creative options. Manchester City are obviously happy with the club, they want me to get some game time and experience.”
Heckingbottom meanwhile is “excited” to sign “a talented player,” in McAtee who they had tried to bring in on loan since last season, although McAtee was keen to try and establish himself within City’s first-team squad during the last 12 months.
The 45 year-old manager also paid tribute to City’s nurturing and development of young players as he said: “We are grateful to Manchester City, we think we are a good place for young players and comparisons have been drawn, we have huge expectation and a major fan base.”
McAtee could make his debut for Sheffield Utd on Saturday 6 August at home to Millwall in a 3pm BST kick-off at Bramall Lane.
The 19 year-old is also the younger brother of John McAtee who signed for Luton Town earlier this week albeit sent back to Grimsby on loan for rest of season.
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