James McAtee

[mattcity5]

That was more to do with injuries/lack of options.

James has to contend with at least half a dozen mostly world class players to get a look in,and he is currently a way off the quality needed to do so.

A loan would be much better IMO,but i'll be very happy to be proven wrong.

Some players play better with better players around them. He did well finding a way to show his talent at Sheff U, our setup and style is bound to suit his talents more.

Still no guarantees though obviously and he'll still have to show a lot pre-season to be in contention.

 

[Gabriel]

Keep saying it, sooner or later we need a player to go on loan, return, and then establish himself as a regular first-team player, even if that first means a season coming off the bench. The fillip that would have for others going out on loan would be inestimable. I don't know if McAtee is 'the one' but he might yet be.

 

[billblu]

think James has earned the right to be involved with the 1st team .His loan was a success inspite of sheffield united not because of it .Think Tommy doyle would be more suited for a return to su if he's not sold this season .gonna be a long season for them

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Would love to see him back at the Etihad, in and around the squad, maybe breaking into league cup games from time to time, maybe the early rounds of the F.A. Cup.
Good as he is, I've backtracked on him slightly. We're now talking about breaking into what is literally the best team on the planet, at present. It's a long shot, and I don't honestly think it's going to happen for any of the academy players, for the time being. Rico, just maybe. And again, that depends on who leaves and who comes, obviously.

 

[teddykgb]

My eyes have always told me this kid is something special. The ball is so tight to his feet when he dribbles, it’s such a talent in tight spaces. There’s more to it than that but I’d love for us to give him every chance to make it and I’d love to see him used more if he can understand what is expected of him now that he’s spent a year playing against men

 

[dhruvblue]

Pep highly rates this lad. Looks like he’s another academy kid being given a chance. Don’t know why that isn’t a good thing for some on here.

If people like the idea of him returning then how would they fill pages at Kovacic Thread Or Rice Thread Or Bellingham thread or new shiny toy thread. People already want Perrone out without being given chance so that they can see a new 80/100 m signing there

 

[jamesha]

I'm not sure about what would be best for him next season. I cannot see him starting many games for us as an 8 - Foden has not been given much time there - so it is whether training with the first team and some sub appearances plus cup starts is better than a full season as starter somewhere else.

If a team like Brighton or Villa were willing to take him on loan and play him regularly that would be great but going back to Sheffield United not so much.

How much say do the players get in the choice of what happens to them?

 

[TonyM]

Whatever Pep wants. (That includes giant cakes and cutlery)

 

[r.soleofsalford]

My eyes have always told me this kid is something special. The ball is so tight to his feet when he dribbles, it’s such a talent in tight spaces. There’s more to it than that but I’d love for us to give him every chance to make it and I’d love to see him used more if he can understand what is expected of him now that he’s spent a year playing against men

Being able to dribble pasted opposition with the ball is a asset but knowing when to get rid at the right time is a better one. I hope James has worked out the later because he`s got the former, I wish him well.

 

[jamesha]

think James has earned the right to be involved with the 1st team .His loan was a success inspite of sheffield united not because of it .Think Tommy doyle would be more suited for a return to su if he's not sold this season .gonna be a long season for them

I don't agree with this. Their manager kept faith with him after some poor initial performances and he managed to step up.

Yes the Blades might not be the most sophisticated team but Heckingbottom was willing to give two young loanees a platform in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He was willing to put his reputation on the line and was rewarded for doing so but there aren't many managers who would do that.

McAtee deserves much credit for his determination but to suggest he somehow succeeded without the support of the Sheffield United coaching staff is bizarre.