Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

'Bring him home' - Man City fans send James McAtee message after stunning solo goal

Manchester City fans are raving about James McAtee after his stunning solo goal secured three points for Sheffield United at Blackpool on Thursday night.

At the beginning of his loan spell in South Yorkshire, McAtee found playing time hard to come by. A poor performance against Luton Town in August pushed the 20-year-old down the pecking order with the Blades.

However, the Salford-born player dug deep and has now managed to cement himself in boss Paul Heckingbottom's plans. McAtee bagged his first goal for the Blades in October against Blackpool so there must be something about the Seasiders the midfielder likes.

ALSO READ: Sheffield United boss makes McAtee admission

The City youngster wowed the away supporters with an amazing goal which began deep in his own half as he dummied the ball to get past an opponent. He then proceeded to sprint down the touchline, into the Blackpool box before showing great composure to side-foot the ball in at the near post.

If the solo heroics were not enough for the spectators in attendance, McAtee unveiled a backflip to celebrate. After clips of the goal circulated on social media, City supporters were left in two minds about the 20-year-old's immediate future.

While some argued that he should be brought back to the Etihad, most felt that his progression at Sheffield United highlights why he should remain there and return in the summer to battle for a place in the first team. Here is what the fans on Twitter had to say.

Thursday night's goal was McAtee's second in two games for the Blades after he scored in the Boxing Day victory over Coventry City. After that game, Heckingbottom praised the Blues' man.

"I think he is feeling more and more comfortable," Heckingbottom told Sheffield United TV. "Certainly got better without the ball but that is not why we brought him.

"He needs to be good without the ball because we cannot carry anyone, but I think where he is standing now with his ability on the ball and everyone can see why we fought so hard to bring him here." McAtee will return to action on Monday when the Blades travel to QPR.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.