Sheffield United: Manchester City youngsters urged to do even more

The 21-year-old, who like McAtee joined Paul Heckingbottom’s side from the Etihad Stadium last summer, enters tomorrow’s game at Blackpool searching for his second goal in United colours after netting against Coventry City on Monday.

Heckingbottom has been impressed by Doyle’s contribution since leaving City. But he remains convinced the youngster should write his name onto the scoresheet more. Reflecting upon events when Michael Appleton’s men visited Bramall Lane earlier this term, Heckingbottom admitted: “We can’t believe Tommy hasn’t scored more. I’m sure he will, though, because his contact is so good when he takes a shot. It’s not as though he’s doing things wrong. Okay, so there were a couple of chances when Blackpool came to us that he should have taken. But he’s having shots blocked and he’s making the right runs. So I think it’s only a matter of time.”

Unlike Doyle, McAtee did not get-off to a flying start in South Yorkshire. Questions were raised about his physicality following August’s trip to Luton Town, when he was replaced by Doyle at half-time after being continually bullied off the ball. But McAtee, aged 20, is now acclimatising to life in England’s second tier. He was also on target as United beat City 3-1; a result which briefly saw them move level on points with leaders Burnley and establish a gap of eight over third placed Blackburn Rovers.

“Macca, you can see the quality coming now,” said Heckingbottom. “He was involved in the majority of it (against City). We want more assists and more involvement. We want him to hurt the opposition and it’s great to see him doing it. He’s desperate to do well.”

“Luton was a massive learning experience and reference point for him,” Heckingbottom added. “Now he’s easier to coach as well, because he can feel it and knows what you are talking about.”