Sheffield 1-0 Wigan: The Premier League starts to come into sharp focus for the Blades

It will take a few more drops of blood and several more gallons of sweat, but the Premier League is coming into increasingly sharp focus for Sheffield United.

Certainly that was how it felt to the legions of buoyant Blades fans who bounced out of a sun-drenched Bramall Lane after another priceless, albeit tense, win.

Their team’s return to the promised land is far from assured, of course, as Middlesbrough and Luton attempt to chase down Paul Heckingbottom’s second-placed side.

A financial crisis has left the FA Cup semi-finalists struggling to pay bills and under a transfer embargo while a crippling ownership saga shows no sign of ending.

But only a fool would turn his back on United now. There is too much energy, and too much drive, within Heckingbottom’s squad.

The so-called ‘Salford Silva’ James McAtee once again impressed for his loan club

The Blades looked united – crucial at this stage of the season – and Iliman Ndiaye’s eighth-minute strike proved enough for victory while also denting Wigan’s survival hopes.

In Ndiaye, United are blessed with a player who looks ready to perform at the highest level.

The Senegal striker, the subject of Premier League interest during the transfer window, tapped home a superb low cross from Manchester City loanee James McAtee to decide an increasingly tense encounter.

McAtee – nicknamed the Salford Silva – is another player who has thrived under Heckingbottom this season, along with fellow City loanee Tommy Doyle.

The talented midfield pair linked up in the second minute when McAtee delivered a low corner from the right flank to an unmarked Doyle, who rifled a fierce shot narrowly over from 20 yards.

Then came United’s opener, McAtee driving forward down the left flank before his cultured left foot delivered a teasing low cross which Ndiaye tapped home at the far post.

It was his 13th goal of an increasingly profitable season and from there the Blades began to motor.

Doyle’s superb pass found George Baldock and he headed the ball into the path of recalled skipper Billy Sharp, whose close-rang strike was tipped over by Ben Amos.

McAtee then had a shot blocked by Wigan captain Tendayi Darikwa before Ndiaye embarked on a delightful weaving run, driving at the heart of the visitors’ defence before his shot was blocked on the line by James McClean. 

Tommy Doyle is another skillful City loanee who has been crucial to United’s success

Ndiaye has been building up excellent goalscoring form of late, scoring 13 this season

The Blades’ interval lead could have easily been far greater and Wigan threatened only fleetingly.

Nevertheless, the spirit that Latics boss Shaun Maloney has fostered within his relegation-threatened squad was clear to see.

Wigan were deducted three points after failing to pay player salaries last month.

They could have buckled after Ndiaye’s opener, but showed commendable fight, suggesting they could yet escape the drop.

Paul Heckingbottom can think more and more about life in the Premier League next season

As a nervy match played out, the home side held their names to come away with all the points

Chances grew scarce during the second half as McAtee fired just wide from 20 yards before Thelo Aasgaard’s header was tipped over by Wes Foderingham at the other end.

The nerves among the home supporters in the near sell-out 29,026 crowd became increasingly frayed but Ndiaye’s strike proved enough.