Sheffield United Boss on Dominant Display: “We Limited [Middlesbrough] Completely” | OneFootball

Sheffield United delivered a commanding performance to claim a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough, maintaining their grip on second place in the Championship.

The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute, with Gustavo Hamer at the heart of the move. The attacking midfielder drove deep into Boro’s half before threading a precise pass to Callum O’Hare. As Boro defender Ryan Giles collided with his own goalkeeper Mark Travers in an attempt to challenge O’Hare, the ball fell kindly for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who made no mistake in slotting home.

Despite United’s dominance, Middlesbrough found an equaliser just before half-time. Blades defender Jack Robinson was penalised for pulling down George Edmundson during a corner kick, though replays suggested it was a soft call. Delano Burgzorg stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, making it 1-1 at the interval.

United initially struggled to carve out clear-cut chances in the second half. However, a couple of substitutions changed the game, including the introduction of Ben Brereton Diaz for Rak-Sakyi. The Chilean international made an instant impact, putting the Blades ahead in the 75th minute. Breaking away with pace, Brereton Diaz finished clinically beyond Travers in front of the Kop end, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

The tension nearly escalated in the 84th minute when Tyrese Campbell found himself through on goal. Rather than squaring the ball for Brereton Diaz to tap in, he went for glory himself, only to see his shot saved. This miss almost proved costly, as Middlesbrough immediately countered and threatened at the other end.

However, any nerves inside Bramall Lane were put to rest in the 87th minute. Anel Ahmedhodzic rose highest to meet Harrison Burrows’ perfectly delivered corner, powering a header into the net to secure a well-deserved 3-1 victory for the Blades.

Chris Wilder on A “Controlled” And “Disciplined” Sheffield United Performance

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Players of Sheffield United FC show appreciation to the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Middlesbrough FC on February 12, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Manager Chris Wilder was full of praise for his team’s response after their recent subpar performances.

He told SUTV: “Really good. We reviewed and reflected after the weekend, and the players came roaring back. Not that it was all doom and gloom; we’d won five out of six, but the lads are honest, and so are we as a coaching staff. We wanted to see more of our identity tonight, and we got that. The atmosphere was great, no real nervousness, and I thought we controlled possession and defended well. Apart from one big chance in the second half, we limited them completely. We had to regroup after the ridiculous penalty decision, but we did that well and kept our discipline.”

“At this club, running and fighting have to come first. Maybe that wasn’t the case on Saturday, so it was a little reminder to the lads that hard work is non-negotiable,” he added.

Wilder’s decision to bring on Brereton Diaz for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi proved to be the correct call as the versatile forward put the Blades ahead. The United chief said, “It was a great move. Sydie [Peck] played a great ball, and [Brereton Diaz] made the perfect run. He’s got that ability to stretch the play, and it was a fabulous finish. He’s a fantastic signing who gives us so many options across the front line.”

Wilder was full of praise for Sydie Peck’s overall performance, and particularly for his outstanding assist for Brereton Diaz’s goal.

The Blades are next in action on Saturday when they travel down south to play bottom of the league Luton Town.