Man Utd plan swoop for City midfielder under the nose of Guardiola

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their interest in Manchester City’s highly-rated attacking midfielder James McAtee, in what could become one of the most controversial transfers of the summer.

McAtee, 22, has just finished a strong campaign with City, scoring seven goals in 27 appearances, but has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Pep Guardiola.

Despite his talent, Guardiola has recently left McAtee out of several matchday squads, including the group for this summer’s Club World Cup.

Instead, McAtee will represent England at the U21 European Championships—a decision widely seen as a signal that his time at the Etihad could be coming to an end.

Guardiola has made it clear he prefers a smaller squad where every player gets regular minutes, and City are looking to bring in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who plays a similar role to McAtee.

This has only increased speculation that McAtee could be on his way out, and United are ready to pounce.

United’s interest in McAtee first emerged in April, when reports suggested the Red Devils were closely monitoring his situation.

Now, with Matheus Cunha signed from Wolves but the club still seeking more creativity in the No.10 position, McAtee is firmly on their radar. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also being considered, but McAtee’s age and potential make him an attractive option.

A move across Manchester would be hugely controversial, given McAtee’s close ties to City, but there is precedent—players like Carlos Tevez, Peter Schmeichel, and Owen Hargreaves have all played for both clubs.

United are not alone in their pursuit: Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are also keen, with Forest holding talks with McAtee’s representatives and pitching an ambitious five-year plan to become top-six regulars.

Bayer Leverkusen, who previously failed to sign him, remain interested as well, reported TeamTalk.

With City’s squad evolving and McAtee’s future uncertain, United could make a bold move to bring the talented playmaker to Old Trafford—potentially sparking one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.