 McKee began his career at Manchester United, joining the club in 1989 after he was spotted playing for the Scotland schoolboys side.In 1992, he made the starting line-up for the FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace, along with future United stars such as Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.United won the final 6–3 on aggregate, and McKee was offered a professional contract in August 1992.