James McAtee left out of Club World Cup squad amid Manchester United interest

James McAtee has been omitted from Manchester City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States this summer. The decision has intensified speculation that the highly rated midfielder could leave the club during the transfer window.

Following a successful loan spell at Sheffield United, McAtee returned to City and featured in 27 matches across all competitions during the 2024–25 season, scoring 7 goals. However, he failed to register an assist and most of his appearances came off the bench, leaving him on the fringes of the squad.

While Pep Guardiola has previously praised James McAtee’s development, his long-term role at Manchester City remains unclear due to the ongoing changes within the squad.

Club World Cup exclusion could trigger exit

According to Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, McAtee was left out of City's Club World Cup squad and will instead join the England U21 side for preparations ahead of the European Championship.

With Kevin De Bruyne confirmed to be leaving the club, City are actively revamping their midfield. The club is reportedly targeting Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Tijjani Reijnders from Milan as part of this overhaul.

• Sky Sports: Reijnders is viewed as a potential playmaker to replace De Bruyne.

• talkSPORT: Cherki is considered a long-term creative solution in City’s plans.

The arrival of either player could significantly reduce McAtee’s prospects of earning consistent minutes next season.

Manchester United links gain traction

According to Manchester Evening News, James McAtee has been seriously linked with Manchester United for the first time—and should the deal materialise, it would be the first direct transfer between the two clubs since 1996.

United have already signed Matheus Cunha as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes, whose future remains uncertain. Yet bolstering the creative midfield unit remains a priority. Sky Sports reports that Bryan Mbeumo is keen to join United, having rejected offers from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham.

If that transfer is completed, McAtee’s chances of establishing himself at Old Trafford could become even slimmer.