Can James McAtee and Tommy Doyle play against Man City for Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final? | OneFootball

Sheffield United will face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium next month, it has been confirmed.

The Blades booked their place in the last-four of the competition after a dramatic quarter-final tie against fellow Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane, winning the contest via a 3-2 scoreline.

Manchester City loanee Tommy Doyle scored a sublime 90th minute winning goal from range, completed a comeback for Sheffield United after falling 1-2 behind at one stage in the contest.

As for Pep Guardiola’s side, the Catalan boss and his players reached yet another FA Cup semi-final after a demolition job over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on the former Manchester City captain’s emotional return to the Etihad Stadium for the first time as a manager.

Erling Haaland’s sensational hat-trick – his second treble in just five days – was complimented by fine strikes from Cole Palmer and a brace from Julian Alvarez, in a 6-0 win for City that followed a 7-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League just days prior.

However, on a dramatic day for Manchester City’s loanees in James McAtee and Tommy Doyle at Sheffield United – both of whom have played a major role in the Blades’ success so far this season – it has been confirmed that neither player will be able to play in the semi-final.

Speaking immediately after Sheffield United’s win over Blackburn, and before the semi-final draw, manager Paul Heckingbottom said, “My wish now is that we don’t draw City, it would complicate things with the loans. It would have to be discussed.”

Doyle – who scored the winning goal against Blackburn on Saturday afternoon – has scored four goals and provided five assists across 29 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Sheffield United.

As for McAtee, the 20 year-old has made six more appearances than his Manchester City colleague, scoring five goals in the process and offering a further three assists to compliment his tally.

The Emirates FA Cup semi-final ties are due to be played at Wembley Stadium across Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April 2023.