Salford-born midfielder James McAtee will be unable to play in the FA Cup semi-final after Sheffield United were drawn against his parent club Manchester City.
On-loan McAtee starred as United saw off Championship side Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Bramall Lane.
But the Blades were then drawn against six-time competition winners City for the match at Wembley on April 22 which means heartbreak for McAtee.
Despite many calls for City to let McAtee and fellow loanee Tommy Doyle play, this wouldn’t be possible even if the Sky Blues agreed, as the rules state: “The association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending club.”
— Salford Now (@SalfordNow) March 21, 2023
With five goals and two assists this season the young Salfordian has been pivotal in Sheffield United’s promotion push as they sit second in the Championship 13 points behind Burnley who are led by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
James’s brother John McAtee, also a Salfordian, suffered FA Cup heartbreak this week as his side, League Two Grimsby Town’s poetic FA Cup run and dream of a brothers final came to an end at the hands of Premier League side Brighton.
The quarter-finals proved a step too far for the Mariners even after beating Premier League side Southampton in the previous round.
Even without McAtee, Sheffield United will be hoping to cause a huge FA Cup upset and set up a final with either Manchester United or Brighton. McAtee will undoubtedly be watching on from home hoping the Blades can dump his parent side and set up a date with destiny in the final in May.
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