When the draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup was made on Sunday, the vast majority of Manchester City fans breathed a sigh of relief.
Many were convinced that Pep Guardiola’s side would be drawn against arch-rivals Manchester United, a nauseating proposition given the prize at stake and the improved form of Erik ten Hag’s side in recent months.
In the end they needn’t have worried. City will take on Championship high-flyers Sheffield United at Wembley, a tough opponent in their own right but preferable to United.
City fans could breathe again; well, except for two.
The draw was exactly what Tommy Doyle and James McAtee didn’t want, but not because they didn’t want to face the Blades.
Both City academy graduates have spent the season on loan at the Bramall Lane club, and their importance to the team has increased as the season has gone on.
Doyle, 21, has brought a sense of assuredness with his classy midfield play, while McAtee – whose slight 20-year-old frame took time to adapt to the physicality of the Championship – has made supporters purr with his vision and technical brilliance.
Both have blue blood, Doyle literally; his grandfathers were former City players Mike Doyle and Glynn Pardoe. McAtee joined City at under-11s level from neighbours United.
Yet as things stand, neither will be able to face the Blues at Wembley. FA rules state that “The Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending Club.”
Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom said he will speak to City about what can be done, but the reality seems black and white.
It’s understandable why the rule exists; the integrity of the game would rightfully be called into question if a loan player decided to underperform against their parent club.
But it seems nonsensical that decisions on eligibility are not made on a case-by-case basis.
In this instance, allowing Doyle and McAtee to play would suit all involved. Sheffield United would obviously be all the stronger for it, while the experience of playing at Wembley would be an invaluable one in terms of the two youngsters’ development.
What better way to show City that you deserve a place in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season than to go toe-to-toe with them on the pitch?
City’s main motivation for sending the pair out on loan – although admittedly it was McAtee who forced his move – was for them to get first-team experience in a competitive league and in big games.
Matches don’t get much bigger than an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against the reigning Premier League champions.
Rules can become outdated; there’s a reason why the same rule isn’t applied in UEFA competitions. For the good of all involved, Doyle and McAtee must face City at Wembley.
