RON Atkinson's return to Sheffield ended in misery as United stopped his championship-chasing side in their tracks. The former Sheffield Wednesday manager saw United knock the stuffing out of his side with a goal by 20-year old Mitch Ward minutes before the interval. Dane Whitehouse saw his long-range shot stopped by Les Sealey in the 40th minute before United went ahead. John Gannon touched a free kick to Ward whose long-range shot beat Sealey at the near post. Whitehouse almost grabbed a second in the 61st minute, controlling a Deane centre before slamming the ball inches wide. Sheffield increased their lead in the 63rd minute after another Gannon free kick was cleared to the edge of the area. Whitehouse slammed the ball back into the packed goalmouth where Villa defender Paul McGrath deflected it past Sealey. United keeper Simon Tracey produced the save of the match in the last minute, blocking a ferocious Garry Parker effort as Villa tried to claw their way back into the game.