Sheffield United defeated at home by Middlesbrough as Hellberg praises team's effort
The win saw Middlesbrough move top of the Championship table
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
Sheffield United fell short against Middlesbrough with a 2-1 defeat at Bramall Lane last night.
The visitors took the lead with goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree, while Patrick Bamford scored for the hosts in the second half.
A dramatic moment saw Sheffield United's Joe Rothwell was sent off on his debut following a reckless challenge on Alan Browne.
Kim Hellberg, Middlesbrough's manager, expressed admiration for his team's display against a challenging opponent.
Hellberg said: "I think the whole game was a brilliant game of football.
"I think it was two teams that were going at each other, two teams that tried to be offensive, two teams that tried to take the ball from the other team.
"I think that was everything that I love with football in terms of that type of game.
"And I think after the first 10 minutes our players were unbelievable in balancing, taking the ball forward when there was opportunity, finding combinations, going behind them and creating a lot of chances that we could have scored even more maybe.
"To do that performance against a very, very good team here under lights was impressive from the players."
Sheffield United's manager, Chris Wilder, said: "I've got to say, the best team we've played all season, in the spell that I've been here, by quite a long shot.
"The start was good, we had opportunities. I'd imagine for the neutral, especially the start, it was ridiculous in how the game started.
"We were really on the front foot, knowing that they've got dangerous players. We committed to the press, tried to get after them, tried to break the rhythm up."