Sheffield United will seek Manchester City’s permission for James McAtee and Tommy Doyle to play in the FA Cup semi-final, but FA rules may ultimately win out.
Pep Guardiola’s side booked their place in the semi-finals with a thumping 6-0 win against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, with Erling Haaland scoring his sixth hat-trick of the season.
It was Kompany’s first visit to the Etihad Stadium since he became a manager, but while his side went toe-to-toe in the opening 30 minutes, in the end City’s quality proved too much.
Like the quarter-final, the semi-final will have a City connection too. In Sunday’s draw City were paired with Championship high-flyers Sheffield United, after the Blades edged past Blackburn Rovers 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at Bramall Lane.
City youngsters James McAtee and Tommy Doyle – both on loan at Sheffield United – featured, with the latter scoring a spectacular 91st-minute winner.
Both have played key roles in Sheffield United’s promotion push this season, but as things stand, competition rules will prevent either from facing their parent club at Wembley next month.
FA rules are quite clear on the matter, stating: “The Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending Club.”
Speaking after the draw was made, Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom hinted the club will speak to City about the eligibility of both players.
What did Heckingbottom say?
“First and foremost, we’ll have the conversation,” said Heckingbottom.
“Listen, they’re Manchester City players and we know they’re cup-tied. But for those two players, I think I need to ask the question and see if we can somehow get them involved.
“I understand the situation, and they [Doyle and McAtee] do too. When we watched the draw after the game, it was the one we didn’t want.
“Mainly for that reason. We all know how tough it is playing City at the best of times but for those boys, we wanted them involved in this one.
“They’ve been a big part of what we’ve done, in the league and the cup. It’s not the draw we wanted for those boys, and it’s not the one those boys wanted themselves.”
Heckingbottom also pointed out that allowing the pair to play in the showpiece fixture could actually benefit City.
“Everyone knows the benefits of them playing [at Wembley],” he told talkSPORT.
“It’s the reason they’ve been sent out on loan and I know [Manchester City] are really pleased with their progression. The boys are themselves, their families and their representatives.
“They’re pleased with what they’re doing and it would be an amazing part of that journey from them. To continue their education.
“However, it’s against their parent club. It has been done before. We’ve seen it happen before. We’ll ask the question and we’ll see what comes back.”
