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 was reportedly irked after discovering that Kyle Walker had bypassed him to discuss a potential January departure with Manchester City's top brass. The English defender has since joined AC Milan on loan, leaving the Etihad after a lengthy tenure spanning nearly eight years and flourishing under Guardiola's tutelage.

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