James McAtee Breaks Into Man City First Team After Challenging Start

James McAtee has successfully established himself as a regular member of the first team at Manchester City, overcoming initial challenges to make a significant impact on the pitch. After joining the club as a ten-year-old in 2013, McAtee made his senior debut in September 2021, showcasing his talent in a League Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers. His journey has been marked by perseverance and determination, culminating in a promising season with the Premier League champions.

From Academy to First Team

During his formative years, McAtee honed his skills within Manchester City’s academy, gradually climbing the ranks. He faced stiff competition from a squad filled with world-class players, which led to two seasons on loan at Sheffield United. During his time there, he played a crucial role in helping the team secure promotion from the Championship and gained valuable experience in the Premier League.

Returning to Manchester City last summer at the age of 21, McAtee was eager to prove himself. “They gave me another chance, and I was grateful for that,” he stated in an interview with FourFourTwo. “The first three months were hard; I wasn’t getting on the pitch, but I felt ready to help the team. Then I made a few appearances and started scoring some goals.”

Memorable Moments and Growing Confidence

McAtee’s first goal for Manchester City came in a UEFA Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava, a moment he described as unforgettable. “Playing in the Champions League is something you dream of since you were seven or eight,” he recounted. “When we went 3-0 up, I thought, ‘Oh, I might come on now.’ Then to score was special.”

His goal-scoring form continued, with three more Premier League goals and a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Salford City, a team close to his heart. “During the game, I didn’t think I was doing too well, but once I scored the first goal, I got more confidence, and everything I touched was going in,” he reflected.

As McAtee’s performances improved, interest from other clubs intensified. In January 2023, Bayer Leverkusen made an approach to take him on loan, with an option to buy for around £25 million. Despite the opportunity for more game time, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola viewed McAtee as an integral part of the club’s future plans, ultimately deciding against the move.

Following this, McAtee continued to earn more playing time, contributing significantly to the team despite a disappointing league finish that saw them end in third place. He made 27 appearances in the season and even featured in a Champions League match at the Bernabéu in February 2023, an experience he described as a dream come true.

In April 2023, McAtee celebrated his goal against Crystal Palace with a backflip, a move he learned from his mother, a dance teacher. “I don’t think I’ll be pulling that out much—maybe on special occasions!” he joked. This season was personally fulfilling for McAtee, even if the team did not achieve their collective goals.

As he continues to develop his skills and build on his experience, McAtee’s journey with Manchester City exemplifies the potential for young talents to rise through the ranks and make their mark on one of the world’s elite football clubs.