James McAtee outlines how Sheffield United mentality shift prepared him for Man City return

James McAtee believes his early struggles on loan at Sheffield United last season have made him a far better player, as he admitted that a mentality shift shortly after leaving Manchester City was vital to his successful spell.

McAtee took time to adapt to his new surroundings in South Yorkshire, but never looked back once he got going, helping Sheffield United to the Premier League alongside fellow loanee Tommy Doyle.

City intend to test McAtee on their pre-season tour, and have knocked back bids for the youngster for as much as £30m, giving him a chance to break into Pep Guardiola's first team this season.

And McAtee himself feels like he is a far better player having gone through the struggles he endured early on at Bramall Lane last term.

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“I think I kind of went into it with the wrong mentality. Thinking ‘I’ve done well all through my Academy [life] and I’ll just do well again’," he reflected in an interview with City.

“It wasn’t like that at all, I had to step up another level and get used to the different style of play and the physicality of men’s football. I feel like I found myself there. I found the way I want to play and how I want to affect games.

“On the pitch I definitely feel like I’ve grown up and it was the first time I’ve moved out as well when I went to Sheffield [United]. I’ve definitely grown up off the pitch, so it’s been a great experience. Hopefully it can help me out in the long run.”

As well as developing mentally out on loan, McAtee pinpointed another aspect of his game that has significantly improved - his game management.

“The fans were great. When I first went I didn’t think it was going to be sold out, but