After taking a bit of time to find his feet at Sheffield United, Manchester City loanee James McAtee’s influence seems to be growing by the week – as highlighted by his positive cameo off the bench at the weekend.

McAtee was introduced at half-time of United’s trip to Cardiff and was heavily involved for the Blades’ eventual winner, which was rifled home at the near post by wing-back George Baldock.

While United staff predicted McAtee would take some time to adjust to the levels of the Championship in what is his first senior loan, there has been less patience on the terraces – but supporters are now starting to see more glimpses of the quality that earmarked the young man as one of English football’s brightest young talents before he moved to Bramall Lane in the summer.

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“He’s a top quality player,” said Baldock of his teammate. “He’s a great talent, he’s obviously still young and learning the game but I think he’s made tremendous strides, from his first few games to now.

“You can see he’s really grown in confidence and is playing the position brilliantly. It was a joy to play with him today, I found him quite a few times in space inside of the box and we know the quality he’s got. He’s a fantastic, intelligent player.”

After a rest over the World Cup break, McAtee will hope to continue his ascension in recent weeks and begin to consistently impact games in the way his City teammate Tommy Doyle has, when the Championship season resumes for United against Huddersfield on December 10.