Manchester City have repeated their strategy this summer of giving their players more time off than many rivals and having a later start to pre-season. That has seen a relatively shorter tour and the Blues will kick off at West Ham after just three friendlies if you include the hard-fought Community Shield.
There were many positives to be had from the jaunt to the United States, but playing just two matches did little for the promising young players who were part of the group. Liam Delap, James McAtee and Kayky have all been available for loan in the transfer window but were invited to begin pre-season and travel with the Blues to try to catch Pep Guardiola's eye — only to barely get a look-in.
McAtee is set to join Sheffield United yet is only linking up with them after the Blades have already begun their Championship campaign; Tommy Doyle, a fellow City midfielder, made his way to Bramall Lane on July 4. Delap, meanwhile, is yet to find a club.
