James McAtee has admitted that he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Championship after sealing a temporary move to Sheffield United.
As confirmed by the club's official website, the 19-year-old has joined the Blades on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City.
McAtee becomes the second player to make the switch from the Etihad Stadium to Bramall Lane this summer following Tommy Doyle's switch.
A product of City's youth academy, McAtee made his debut for Pep Guardiola's side last season in their 6-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers.
After this particular breakthrough, the attacking midfield featured on five more occasions at senior level during the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
With the Blades set to take on Millwall on Saturday, McAtee could potentially be in line to make his first appearance for the club in this particular fixture.
Set to wear the number 28 shirt this season, the England Under-21 international has revealed that he believes the Blades' style of play will suit him.
Speaking to the club's website about his move, McAtee said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge, I've been building up to a loan for a few years now and I think I'm ready.
"Paul (Heckingbottom) was a lovely guy to meet, he showed me around and made me feel welcome.
"He was telling me about how he sees me playing and that's how I see it too.
"The way Sheffield United play suits me and hopefully I can help with creative options.
"Manchester City are obviously happy with the club, they want me to get some game time and experience."
The Verdict
This could turn out to be an incredibly shrewd bit of business by the Blades as McAtee excelled at youth level during the previous term.
McAtee helped City's Under-23 side win the Premier League 2 Division 1 title by scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 23 appearances.
Whereas it may take McAtee some time to adapt to life in the Championship due to the fact that he has not played at this level, he could potentially go on to thrive under the guidance of Heckingbottom who managed to get the best out of fellow attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White last season.
Before returning to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gibbs-White provided an impressive total of 20 direct goal contributions in the second-tier for the Blades.