Man utd consider shock move for man city rival 'left out club world cup squad'

MANCHESTER CITY ARE SET TO JET OFF TO THE CLUB WORLD CUP THIS MONTH BUT JAMES MCATEE WILL NOT BE PART OF THE SQUAD AFTER BEING OVERLOOKED BY PEP GUARDIOLA, WITH MAN UTD REPORTEDLY WAITING IN

THE WINGS 16:12, 02 Jun 2025Updated 16:51, 02 Jun 2025 Manchester City have decided to leave James McAtee out of their Club World Cup squad, amidst growing interest from cross-town rivals

Manchester United. The attacking midfielder won't join City in jetting off to America, as he instead has been added to England’s pre-tournament training squad ahead of the U21s Euros in

Slovakia. The talented academy product has shown flashes of brilliance in a Sky Blue shirt, memorably scoring an FA Cup hat-trick. But has seen very limited first-team involvement since

returning from a starring loan at Sheffield United. McAtee will now miss the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola's stars in the FIFA competition. Amid his absence from the Club World Cup,

Manchester United are reportedly keen to swoop in for the 22-year-old. Such a move would no doubt prove a controversial move, especially with McAtee held in high regard at the Etihad. As

the 22 year old seeks more consistent playing time, the Daily Mail reports that his omission may signal the beginning of the end of his tenure with City. Article continues below Guardiola

has acknowledged McAtee's restricted game time and his desire to play regularly. He said back in April: "For the age, I'd like him to stay. "But I understand players want

more minutes. He can play different positions but I don't know how the squad will be and we will see." Another consideration is that McAtee's contract with City runs out in

2026, leaving the club's bosses with a decision to either offer him a new deal or sell him before he becomes a free agent. Article continues below DON'T MISS A THING WITH FOOTBALL

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right here McAtee himself is reportedly keen on a move to the Bundesliga, having been linked with clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen. He's seen how young English talents like Jadon Sancho

and Jude Bellingham have flourished in Germany. Allowing McAtee to depart would be a gamble for Guardiola, who has faced criticism for letting academy players leave without giving them a

fair chance. Several of these players, including Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, have gone on to make their mark elsewhere.