Sheffield United cruised to victory yesterday as they saw off Reading with an excellent home performance.

The Blades were good value for the win and had the game won by half time in all honesty, as a Gary Madine double followed Kieron Freeman's opener, before John Fleck added a fourth just after half time.

However, it was the display of Madine which caught the eye, and after being a controversial signing some weeks back due to his links with Sheffield Wednesday and reported 'beef' with Billy Sharp, the Cardiff City loanee was quick to praise the fans following yesterday.

"The reception I got coming off was brilliant," Madine said. "To be honest, I was surprised when I first came in, because it was wasn't as bad as I thought it might be and I really want to thank the fans for that." Madine said in an interview with the Sheffield Star.

"I've sort of made a living out of proving people wrong and I know, when I first turned-up, there were a few saying I'd rock the dressing room. I know I'm not that kind of person, though."

Madine's fine performance will be a positive for manager Chris Wilder, who will have been concious of his team becoming over reliant on the excellent form of strikers Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick.

Madine smashed in two fine finishes to cement his place in the hearts of the Blades fans, and he will be hoping to play a key role in the promotion run in for United.

The Verdict

It was a shrewd piece of business this by Wilder in January, and Madine showed yesterday just why he was wanted so much.

His size and presence make him a nightmare through the middle, and he showed just why he will become a key figure for United if they are to win promotion.