Jon Whitney hoping victory gives fans a glimpse of Walsall's future

Goals from Amadou Bakayoko, Jason McCarthy, Joe Edwards and Erhun Oztumer saw the Saddlers run out 4-1 winners at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday.

Chris Wilder's Blades arrived in the West Midlands sitting top of League One and having won their last six matches.

But they were no match for the rampant Saddlers – with Whitney believing his side is now starting to realise it's potential.

"The Sheffield United performance was a performance I see every day in training," the 46-year-old said. "I have seen that energy on so many occasions. For some reason we can't do it every week.

"We have got to learn to do it every week but it takes time.

"I think the players are starting to understand each other now. They are starting to understand how to win games. And they are starting to believe that we can play teams like Sheffield United, stay with them and out perform them."

Whitney believes Walsall's supporters have a key role to play if his side is to develop into serious contenders for promotion.

"We need to perform more consistently," the boss continued.

"But we have limitations at the club. It took us five years to get to the standard we showed last season when we did it week in, week out."

And the boss added: "I know there are expectations from the fans. And I understand that more than anyone. Hopefully they can see if they stay with us, if they stay patient and remain positive we will be successful."

Whitney also confirmed he is hopeful of adding to his squad ahead of the visit of Bristol Rovers on Saturday - with the manager previously stating he is after a winger and striker.

"I have got a couple of irons in the fire," he added.

"I'd like to bring one or two more in and I'm hoping there will be one, maybe two new faces in before Bristol Rovers.

"But I will only bring them in if they are better than what we have got or they add strength in depth to the squad. I'm not going to bring people in just for numbers."