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’s demand for dominance has made Manchester City great, but now he and the team need some fresh tricks.

Just when it looked like Manchester City’s underwhelming season was turning a corner, the team suffered another humiliating defeat, this time at the hands of Premier League rival Arsenal.