Both have been used in the last few months to give the tired legs of more senior players a chance to rest, and McAtee has a fine two-season spell at Sheffield United on his record, plus the backing of many fans. For now, the pair will have to continue to try to convince Guardiola to give them a chance on the training pitch.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Oscar Bobb could soon be ready for his return to first-team action for Manchester City after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. After an encouraging win over Chelsea at the weekend, City have the opportunity to claw back more ground on those above them in the Premier League when they visit Arsenal on Sunday.