Ginger Messi powers Wilson revolution

Sheffield United 4 Bury

After a season in football's heartbreak hotel, Unitedites have Bramall Lane echoing to the old anthem 'Can't help falling in love' once again.

Relegated from the Premier League in 2007, Sheffield United dropped into the third tier for the first time in 22 years after a dispiriting campaign featuring four different managers but one long sinking feeling.

The appointment of a former Sheffield Wednesday player and manager in Danny Wilson only compounded the gloom for some supporters yet Wilson has hit the ground running, and this comfortable victory was his new side's fifth in six League One matches.

It was convincing too. Chris Porter and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored either side of the break and Matt Lowton before substitute Erik Tonne added two more to secure a biggest league win for United since November 2005 and keep them level on points with the leaders MK Dons.

Wilson said he was delighted with his players' response since his arrival. "They've all bought into how we want to play. Today you saw some very strong and enjoyable performances. The tempo was good, and our passing was nice and crisp. The first six games we wanted a certain number of points and we have surpassed that."

Stephen Quinn, who interested Blackpool, has a pivotal role. "He has started the season like a whirlwind, he has been brilliant." The wag in the press box who dubbed the Irishman the Ginger Messi had his tongue in his cheek but the Irishman enhanced the mood, showing some lovely feints and flicks.

Quinns left foot is a key weapon in United's armoury and Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford had to be at his best to tip over the midfielders free-kick as United made a brisk start. Belford was less impressive when spilling Mendez-Laing's shot in the build-up to the opening goal just before half-time, prompting pinball inside the six-yard box before Porter forced the ball in.

Belford was even more culpable with United's second two minutes into second half, palming Mendez-Laing's right-wing cross into his own net at the near post. Lowton slotted in the third goal after Belford had only parried Porter's angled shot, then Tonne rounded things off with a hooked volley after a corner by Lee Williamson had dropped his way off a Bury head.

Bury's manager Richie Barker said: "I think we played against the best team in the division today. I can't see many teams coming and picking up points here."

Sheffield Utd (4-4-2): Simonsen; Lowton, Maguire, Collins, Jean-Francois; Mendez-Laing (Flynn, 73), McAllister, Doyle, Quinn (Williamson, 83); Cresswell, Porter (Tonne, 81). Unused subs Long (gk), Parrrino.

Bury (4-2-3-1): Belford; Picken, Sodje, Eastham, Skarz; Sweeney, Byrne (Harrad, 70); Worrall (Haworth, 79), Coke, M Jones; Bishop. Subs Branagan (gk), Cregg, A Jones.

Match rating 7/10.

Man of the match Stephen Quinn.

Attendance 17,956.