Manchester United are plotting a daring swoop for Manchester City’s rising star James McAtee, a player who once called Old Trafford home. The 22-year-old midfielder, dubbed the “Salford Silva” for his David Silva-esque flair, has become a hot commodity, and United are leading the charge to bring him back.
McAtee’s story is steeped in Manchester rivalry. He spent his early years in United’s academy before switching to City at age 10, a move driven by his family’s frustration with his development at Carrington. Now, with just 18 months left on his City contract and first-team minutes scarce, the Red Devils sense an opportunity to rectify old regrets, as per reports by Daily Mail.
The numbers behind the hype
McAtee has netted 15 goals in 14 games for City’s youth sides, including three hat-tricks. Even in a 5-3 UEFA Youth League defeat to Club Brugge this week, his treble showcased his knack for rising above the chaos.
But it’s not just youth football where he’s shining. Since returning from a loan at Sheffield United, McAtee has 7 goals in 25 senior appearances this term, including 3 in the Premier League. For context, that’s more than United’s Christian Eriksen (1 goal) and Mason Mount (0) combined.
Why Manchester United want to sign James McAtee
Under INEOS, United’s transfer strategy has pivoted sharply toward young, Premier League-proven talent. McAtee fits the bill. At 22, he’s a dynamic midfielder who can play centrally or out wide, offering the creativity and work rate Ruben Amorim’s system demands.
His familiarity with United’s roots adds intrigue. With Casemiro and Eriksen both expected to leave at the end of the campaign, McAtee’s energy and technical quality could inject urgency into a stagnant midfield.
Pep Guardiola’s dilemma
Pep Guardiola rates McAtee highly but minutes are scarce behind Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden. Despite starting in City’s crucial 2-1 win over Aston Villa this week, McAtee has only two Premier League starts all season.
Guardiola’s recent comments hint at uncertainty: “I’d like him to stay… but I understand players want minutes. We’ll see.” City rejected a £25m bid from Bayer Leverkusen in January, but with De Bruyne’s potential exit and interest in Florian Wirtz, McAtee’s path remains blocked.
A cross-city move would make McAtee the 15th player to represent both Manchester clubs. For City, losing another academy gem to a rival would sting. Just ask Cole Palmer, who’s thriving at Chelsea after leaving last summer.
But United aren’t alone. Barcelona, Liverpool, and AC Milan are circling, while Brighton tried to sign him earlier this season. At £25m–£30m, McAtee is a bargain compared to United’s previous big-money flops.
The verdict
McAtee isn’t a finished product. His slight frame and defensive lapses need work. But his quick feet, skillset, and eye for goal align perfectly with INEOS’ vision. As Guardiola weighs loyalty against pragmatism, United are ready to pounce. The “Salford Silva” might just be the spark Old Trafford desperately needs.