‘Really hope he does’ – Many fans react as Man City insiders tip ‘exceptional’ talent to become first-team regular next season

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims there is confidence within the club that James McAtee can break the mould and return from loan to become part of the first team set-up in future.

McAtee is regarded by many as one of City’s most exciting academy talents, with the midfielder last season making his professional debut for the club and drawing praise from the likes of Joleon Lescott and Gary Neville, with Pep Guardiola also labelling the England youth international as ‘exceptional’ as per the Manchester Evening News.

The 2022/23 season had been deemed by many to be an important campaign for James McAtee’s development, with a big decision made on where he would play his football.

Ultimately, the decision was made to send him out on loan to Sheffield United, with a whole host of other Championship and Premier League clubs vying for his signature.

While some believe a loan move may not have been a step forward, a new report has detailed a positive outlook on the player’s future from the side of Etihad Stadium staff.

With McAtee starting to become more involved with Sheffield United, there’s a good chance that the 19-year-old could explode onto the scene this season if he begins to find his rhythm in the Championship, and for City, this could be huge for the youngster’s development.

According to the Manchester Evening News, there is a growing sense amongst those at City that McAtee could make the step up next season and play regular football at a Premier League level, with the youngster experiencing his first taste of the senior game this campaign out in the Championship.

McAtee will be hoping to play an integral part in a Sheffield United side seeking a return to the Premier League next season. However, his start to life with the Blades has been less than straightforward.

Making just six Championship appearances so far, but only registering 142 minutes of game time, McAtee will need to make a bigger impact in the coming months.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Really hope he does.”
Credit: @D44VDK

“Superstar in the making.”
Credit: @MattehMCFCC

“I really do want another academy player to break through, feels like ages since Foden had that Newport game and we all realised he would be special.”
Credit: @BenCaunce

“Seriously this guy is so talented and i believe in him. Him and Phil Foden should be our midfielders with KDB after Bernardo and Gundo leave!”
Credit: @lma86756411

“He should be given a chance.”
Credit: @F_balogunvictor

“Gundogan’s replacement!.”
Credit: @JMC_OfficiaI