Sheffield United ran out 3-2 winners against Cardiff City on Saturday with manager Paul Heckingbottom highlighting a number of 'pleasing factors' in the win. 

The Blades went behind at the Cardiff City Stadium and had to fight to win the game in the second half as a red card seemed to swing the game in their favour.

Sean Morrison was sent off for the Bluebirds when they were ahead 1-0, but Heckingbottom's side took full advantage with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Billy Sharp, and David McGoldrick.

After the game, Heckingbottom spoke to club media and praised his side's attacking intent: "Wins are important but just as pleasing is the intent in the performance and that's the pleasing thing, that's what we want to be that team on the front foot making forward passes.

"If we lose playing like this it's my fault. I want us on the front foot playing forward passes and if everyone gives 100 percent that's all we can ask."

Heckingbottom highlighted the attitude of the players in the second half as a key factor in the win as their heads didn't drop despite going 1-0 down: "We were front foot and we really wanted to play that way.

"I wanted us to move the ball quicker, especially when they are down to 10 men, you have to move the ball and we played a lot of forward passes."

The win now means Sheffield United sit 10th having closed the gap between them and the top six to just four points.

Next up for Heckingbottom's side is the visit of play-off chasing QPR to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

It was a determined performance from the Blades.

You have to praise them for not letting up in this game. The pressure and momentum gathered quickly after the red card and highlights a possible change in attitude under the new manager.

Under Jokanovic, the play was laborious at times, slow, and lacked tempo whereas, in the last two games under Heckingbottom, the players haven't let up.

It's a massive difference and will play a huge part in Sheffield United's season, with plenty of time still to make the push for the play-offs many expected them to before the season began.