James McAtee has the magic touch to conjure a great escape for Sheffield United... Salford Silva's brilliant winner against Brentford was a HUGE moment for the relegation favourites

Talk to anyone in the game about Manchester City midfielder James McAtee and the soundbites are always the same. ‘Exciting young talent… highly rated by Pep Guardiola… how good could he be?’

Well, having spent last season playing a major part in getting Sheffield United to the Premier League, perhaps the on-loan playmaker could yet help them stay there.

That was the talk at a buoyant Bramall Lane after McAtee’s wonder strike sealed victory and underlined his rich talent.

The City academy graduate, 21, curled a delightful left-foot shot into the top corner of the Brentford goal from the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time. The man nicknamed the Salford Silva remains highly regarded by City, having featured in their pre-season tour of Asia and Premier League opener at Burnley.

After Saturday’s win, Blades boss Chris Wilder said: ‘McAtee’s a top player and Pep will have been watching. Manchester City have their finger on the pulse with all their stats and are diligent in their work. 

‘This is a great place for young players to come and learn the trade. It’s been a difficult first few months for McAtee back here so I’m delighted for him and the team. We’re a tight group.’

McAtee, who scored nine goals for the Blades during his first loan spell last season, proved to be above much of the mediocrity that typified this encounter.

It was his first Premier League goal and team-mate Anis Ben Slimane said: ‘It was a brilliant goal from a brilliant player. We know how important James McAtee is for our offensive game and at this level games can be decided in seconds and moments. James has that quality.’

Brentford were missing eight players through injury and defender Ethan Pinnock claimed: ‘McAtee meant to cross it so it was a bit of a freak goal.’