Here's how Middlesbrough's players rated in the 3-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane:

8 Steffen: Made a string of important saves after the early goal.

8 Smith: Tough start as the tricky Ndiaye drifted to his side, but recovered superbly. Couple of heroic second half blocks.

8 Fry: Brilliant performance. Fully justified Carrick’s decision to recall him.

8 Lenihan: Will be disappointed by goal when he was held off by McBurnie but showed character to respond in the manner he did. Brilliant from that point onwards.

8 Giles: Outstanding for the second goal as he turned defence into attack with interception and driving run.

8 Howson: After difficult start and up against a class act in Berge, used all of his experience to wrestle back control. Led by example.

9 Hackney: Incredible to think a year ago next week he was on the bench for bottom of League Two Scunthorpe in a 0-0 draw with Northampton. Class again here. Brilliant timing and decision making to create third goal.

9 Forss: Created the first goal with brilliant wing play and had a hand in the third when he dispossessed home side in centre-circle. At home in that wide right role now.

8 Akpom: Super finish drew Boro level, his 17th of the season. Caused Sheffield United problems as he drifted into pockets.

9 McGree: Outstanding performance full of classy touches and clever movement. He’s such a key player in Carrick’s side.

9 Archer: Caused Sheffield United problems with his pace and movement in first half. Two clinical finishes in second half.

Substitutes:

Crooks (for Archer, 82): N/A

Ramsey (for Forss, 82): N/A

Mowatt (for McGree, 90): N/A

Subs not used: Roberts, Barlaser, Bola, McNair

Sheffield United: Foderingham 5, Ahmedhodzic 5 (Jebbison, 67), Egan 5, Robinson 5; Bogle 5, Norwood 5 (Osborn 78), Berge 6, McAtee 6, Lowe 5; Ndiaye 5, McBurnie 6

Subs: Davies, Fleck, Basham, Coulibaly, Osborn, Clark

Man of the Match: Riley McGree. Exceptional display. Movement, touch and vision sublime throughout.