Manchester United ‘Interested’ in Signing 22-year-old Man City Star in Shock Move – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United Target Shock City Swoop After James McAtee Club World Cup Snub

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a stunning and controversial move for Manchester City’s James McAtee, according to The Mirror. The 22-year-old playmaker, once heralded as a key part of City’s future, has now been omitted from their squad for the upcoming Club World Cup. This decision, though largely tactical, may well mark the beginning of the end for McAtee at the Etihad.

As The Mirror puts it, the snub “could prove telling” as United “continue to circle” the young midfielder. Pep Guardiola’s preference for a slim squad with players guaranteed game time has placed fringe talents like McAtee in a precarious position. “Probably signals the end of his time at Man City,” notes The Mail’s City correspondent Jack Gaughan.

With United actively hunting for an additional attacking midfielder despite securing Matheus Cunha, McAtee has emerged as a left-field but intriguing target. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also being considered, though McAtee’s availability has added a fresh dynamic to the Red Devils’ transfer plans.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League Rivals Join the Chase

Manchester United will not have a free run at the City academy graduate. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are both in pursuit, with Forest reportedly already speaking with McAtee’s representatives. As TEAMtalk revealed, Forest are laying the groundwork for an ambitious five-year plan and see McAtee as a key building block.

Leeds are equally eager, hoping to capitalise on their recent promotion and inject youth and creativity into their squad. Meanwhile, interest from abroad persists, with Bayer Leverkusen—who previously failed in their attempts to sign McAtee—still monitoring the situation closely.

City’s interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who operates in a similar creative role, only strengthens the feeling that McAtee could be pushed further down the pecking order. Guardiola’s public frustration over having to leave talents like McAtee out of matchday squads underlines the current imbalance in City’s depth.

United’s Risky Move Carries Historical Precedent

Should McAtee cross Manchester’s divide, he would join a rare group of players to have represented both clubs. Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves and Peter Schmeichel all made similar moves in the past, sparking fierce debates and divided loyalties among fans. Whether McAtee is prepared to make that leap, considering his strong ties to City, remains to be seen.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, from a footballing perspective, the move makes sense. At United, McAtee could enjoy more consistent opportunities under Ruben Amorim, who is slowly reshaping the team around younger, technical talents. Amorim is not afraid of making bold tactical shifts and has a strong track record of developing attacking midfielders in his previous roles.

What’s Next for McAtee?

McAtee is set to represent England at the U21 European Championships this summer—a stage that could further elevate his value. Clubs will watch closely to see how he performs against elite youth competition.

It’s understood that United first expressed interest on April 23, “monitoring” McAtee’s situation. That interest now looks set to escalate, particularly if the player himself is willing to consider such a bold move.

In an era where rivalries are more nuanced and career longevity matters more than tribal loyalty, a move across Manchester, while controversial, is far from impossible.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this rumour is equal parts fascinating and frustrating.

On one hand, James McAtee is a quality talent. Seven goals in 27 appearances for City speaks volumes for a player his age, especially given limited game time. But on the other hand, the optics of poaching another City fringe player after years of underwhelming transfers is concerning.

Ruben Amorim is supposed to be building a forward-thinking United team, not scavenging City’s unwanted stock. That may sound harsh, but supporters want ambition—players like Joao Neves, not gambles like McAtee.

Yes, he’s young and technically gifted, but is he United calibre? Is he ready to shoulder the burden of rebuilding this side’s attacking threat? Or will he be another name lost in the shuffle like Donny van de Beek?

There’s also a worry about what this says to our own academy talents. If Amorim wants creativity, promote from within. Why not give players like Kobbie Mainoo more advanced roles, rather than bring in a City cast-off?

It’s not that McAtee isn’t good enough—it’s that United fans are tired of short-term patches. This feels more like a PR stunt than a progressive footballing decision.