Middlesbrough moved top of the Championship after a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, extending a winning run to six games in all competitions. First-half goals from Tommy Conway and Riley McGree put Kim Hellberg's team ahead of Coventry City, while a late red card for Joe Rothwell helped Boro withstand pressure following Patrick Bamford's strike.
The visitors were more efficient in front of goal across a match that swung from end to end. Middlesbrough created 1.44 expected goals from 19 attempts, compared with Sheffield United's 0.88 xG from 13 shots. That greater cutting edge, combined with disciplined defending after the dismissal, proved enough to secure the points.
The opening 45 minutes featured sustained attacking play
from both sides, yet Boro carried the greater threat. The teams shared 23 shots before half-time, with Middlesbrough recording 15 of them. Conway went close in the sixth minute, shooting over, while Morgan Whittaker directed a header straight at visiting goalkeeper Michael Cooper at the other end.
Middlesbrough's pressure told in the 19th minute, when McGree slid Conway through on goal. The Scottish forward finished calmly into the bottom-left corner while under challenge, giving the visitors the lead. Sheffield United then wasted a major chance to respond, as Gustavo Hamer picked out Bamford, who failed to convert from a promising position.
That missed opportunity became more costly right on the stroke of half-time. Hayden Hackney struck the post for Middlesbrough, and McGree reacted quickest to the rebound, heading in to double the advantage. The goal capped an impressive half from Hellberg's side, who repeatedly found spaces between Sheffield United's lines.
Sheffield United improved after the interval, again relying on Hamer's passing range. Hamer located Bamford with another accurate through-ball, and this time the former Chelsea forward finished past Sol Brynn on 73 minutes. The goal halved the deficit and briefly shifted momentum towards the hosts, raising the noise inside Bramall Lane.
Any realistic hope of a full comeback faded when Rothwell, making a debut for Sheffield United, was dismissed late on. Rothwell received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Alan Browne, leaving the hosts with ten players. Middlesbrough then managed territory carefully, limiting late chances and protecting the narrow lead to the final whistle.
SIX IN A ROW! pic.twitter.com/LW8RVCmOZiMiddlesbrough FC (@Boro) February 9, 2026
Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United Championship stats underline Boro dominance
The numbers highlighted why Middlesbrough left Bramall Lane with maximum points. The visitors completed the league double over Sheffield United for the first time since the 2010-11 season and have now won four of the last five Championship meetings, losing only once in that run.
| Team | Shots | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough | 19 | 1.44 |
| Sheffield United | 13 | 0.88 |
McGree's display stood out within that wider team effort. Alongside scoring with the player's only shot and assisting Conway, McGree created three chances, the second-highest figure for Middlesbrough. McGree also won three free-kicks, recovered possession nine times and came out on top in five of seven duels, underlining influence in attacking and defensive phases.
The result strengthens Middlesbrough's position at the top of the Championship table and keeps Sheffield United under pressure in the race for promotion. With Boro combining clinical finishing, structured defending and key individual performances, Hellberg's team leave Bramall Lane with a significant away win and the league double over the Blades confirmed.
