Ducker: Utd emerge as surprise contenders in race to sign City star, Guardiola says he’s Foden-esque

In partnership with

Stretty News

·24 de abril de 2025

Ducker: Utd emerge as surprise contenders in race to sign City star, Guardiola says he’s Foden-esque

It’s a rarity that Manchester United’s scouts will venture across the city and take a direct interest in a Manchester City player.

Yet, that is indeed the case heading into the summer window, as The Telegraph’s James Ducker has confirmed the Red Devils have now emerged as surprise candidates in the race to sign James McAtee.

OneFootball Videos

The 22-year-old star is attracting widespread interest across the division and the continent, with all of United, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United looking to capitalise on his uncertain situation at the Etihad.

McAtee’s considerable lack of game time throughout the season has left him reluctantly exploring opportunities away from City; he has featured 13 times in the Premier League thus far, but only twice as a starter. He has also been an unused substitute for 25 games in total across the league and Champions League.

McAtee considering permanent move from City

Despite being used sparingly this campaign, McAtee has notched an impressive seven goals. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

He has impressed in the appearances he has made, however. The England U21 international has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 over the last 12 months, while he also made quite the name for himself in the two seasons he spent with Sheffield United; initially in the Championship and then last term in the top flight.

In January, McAtee was the subject of a loan proposal from Leverkusen which included a £25 million option to buy in the summer. City rejected the approach, though the German outfit retain their desire to sanction his arrival in the coming months.

When pressed on the midfielder’s situation last week, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for McAtee, even admitting that, if it were up to him, he’d keep hold of the promising starlet.

“Macca lives close to the box, quite similar to Phil [Foden] and they are there. They have a sense [of goal], it’s difficult to train in the moment the ball is coming and after he didn’t score but it’s fine. As much minutes he plays he will score,” Guardiola said, as cited by the City website.

“For the age [he is], I would like him to stay. I understand the players want more minutes. I understand that.

“I would like him to stay; he’s an Academy player, he knows the patterns. He’s a lovely person, a lovely guy. He trains really good, plays in different positions. I like him but with the squad, it’s how we finish, and we will see.”