BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 08: James McAtee of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrews (stadium) on May 08, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

James McAtee reflects on his time with the Blades

After a difficult start to his senior career, during his loan spell with Sheffield United, James McAtee bounced back in tremendous style midway through the season.

The Manchester City youngster began the campaign looking out of his depth physical-wise in the Championship. And the 20-year-old has reflected on the tough period early on. “I think I kind of went into it with the wrong mentality. Thinking ‘I’ve done well all through my Academy [life] and I’ll just do well again’,” McAtee stated in an interview with Manchester City.

McAtee’s progression after the World Cup break was remarkable and he became a bright spark for the Blades helping them over the finish line. The Salford-born midfielder would be hailed as the ‘Salford Silva’ by the supporters, he ended the season with nine goals and three assists in 39 Championship appearances.

Sheffield United’s English midfielder James Mcatee reacts after failing to score during the English FA Cup fourth round-replay football match between Sheffield United and Wrexham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England, on February 7, 2023. – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“I had to step up another level and get used to the different style of play and the physicality of men’s football. I feel like I found myself there. I found the way I want to play and how I want to affect games”, McAtee expressed.

The player paid homage to Unitedites as he referenced Bramall Lane’s incredible atmosphere:

“The fans were great. When I first went I didn’t think it was going to be sold out, but especially at the start of the game when they sang that song I thought it was an amazing atmosphere.” 

McAtee’s performances last term has earned him a chance to excel in Manchester City’s preseason campaign. And Pep Guardiola sees him as a vital squad player for this upcoming season having rejected several loan offers and bids of up to £30m.

 

 

Tags Interview James McAtee Manchester City Sheffield United