Manchester City’s James McAtee scored for Sheffield United on Boxing Day, the latest evidence that the youngster is benefiting from his loan spell.
Helping Sheffield United back to the Premier League, though, might just be the first significant notch on his CV.
The midfielder joined the Blades on a season-long loan last summer in search of regular first-team football.
McAtee, a highly-regarded talent who has been on City’s books since he was 10, in particular is proving an increasingly important member of Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
In three games since the post-World Cup break, Salford-born McAtee has started them all and helped the Blades to victory in each one.
They now lie eight points clear of third-placed Blackburn and level on points with leaders Burnley, albeit having played a game more.
McAtee opened the scoring with a delightful effort – his second in United colours – when he latched onto Iliman Ndiaye’s brilliant run and pass in the 35th minute.
Salford-born McAtee was replaced in the 70th minute by another Man City prospect Tommy Doyle. Moments later, the 21-year-old had his first goal for the Blades, dispatching a low cross in style.
The role McAtee played delighted the locals at Bramall Lane, but perhaps not as much as City fans eager to him succeed at the Etihad when he return to the club.
Here’s what City fans on Twitter made of McAtee’s exploits.
@PlayfulTipz: This James Mcatee loan is turning out to be a success.
@StevenMcinerney: Slow start to life at Sheffield United, but things are really starting to develop nicely for McAtee now. He’s a regular in a side challenging for the Championship title and beginning to express himself now he’s used to the physicality. Excellent stuff.
@Mcfcsvato: He’s back
@SudiptaDash49: Keep going, James!
@kassW1998: James Silva!
@JuneAsh8: Starter soon next season?
@JPJoker01: First team football next season pleaseeeeeeee
@SheffUNews: Getting better with each game
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