Middlesbrough’s poor form continued with so many familiar errors that have plagued them of late haunting them again in defeat at Sheffield United.

Though Delano Burgzorg’s penalty at the end of the first half had cancelled out Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s opener, Boro couldn’t make use of a gift as Ben Brereton Diaz and Anel Ahmedhodzic scored goals in the final 15 minutes to down Boro.

Error ridden and too easy to break down, it was another poor night for Michael Carrick’s side. Here’s how the Boro players rated in their third consecutive defeat.

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Mark Travers - 5

Made a couple of really good saves in the game, but that only saves him from getting a four after being culpable for two of the three goals. Panicked for the first and was then aerially weak for the third.

Luke Ayling - 5

An improvement on his performance against Sunderland, though it was a low bar. There were still times he dove in and was beaten too easily, while his pass attempting to play Tommy Conway in behind lacked conviction, was easily read and led to the counter for the decisive second goal.

Rav van den Berg - 6

Tough evening for the Dutchman as Sheffield United cut through the Boro midfield like a hot knife through butter. He wasn’t at his best by any means, but in making a couple of last-ditch blocks, he was Boro’s best defender. It was a really tough night against a Sheffield United attack that committed bodies to attack though.

George Edmundson - 5

Like Ayling, he improved from his Sunderland debacle but a lot of Sheffield United’s opening came from his side of the defence in the first half. He was clever to win Boro the penalty and started the second half well before a trademark dreadful square ball out of defence gifted Sheffield United a chance that ultimately shifted momentum and belief back in their favour.

Ryan Giles - 4

With Boro struggling to keep the ball, Giles couldn’t have much influence on the game from an attacking point of view despite his efforts. He was then exposed and caught too far forward from a defensive point of view. He was a tad unlucky with the first goal, having recovered well, but he let Brereton Diaz get away from too easily for the second.

Aidan Morris - 6

One of few Boro players to emerge with some credit. He battled as hard as he could in the Boro midfield, but it felt like there were two Sheffield United midfielder for every one Boro. They were too easily overrun.

Hayden Hackney - 5

Far too weak in numerous challenges throughout as Boro struggled to get a grip and impose themselves on the game. He started to get a little bit more influence after taking up the number ten role, but Boro couldn’t make it count and Sheffield United capitalised on Boro’s newfound attacking intent to catch them twice on the break.

Samuel Iling-Junior - 4

His first start for Boro is not one to remember. He doesn’t deserve to be written off after one game, but this wasn’t a good way to introduce himself to Boro fans. He looked miles off the pace and struggled to complete even the simplest of five yard passes - one of which gifted Sheffield United their break for the first goal.

Finn Azaz - 4

Azaz’s poor form continued as he struggled to get into the game. When he did manage to find space and get the ball, he was wasteful and predictable with his passing. Lacking mobility out of possession, he struggled to help Boro’s midfield as they were overrun before his early second half axing.

Delano Burgzorg - 7

Boro’s best on the night, he was about the only one who can leave with his head properly held high. As well as some good drives and neat touches, he held it up well to try and relieve some pressure when given the opportunity. He coolly slotted home his penalty too, despite the delay tactics.

Kelechi Iheanacho - 6

It was a tough debut for Iheanacho, who was starved of service throughout. Boro were quite often forced to go long and the new striker actually battled well for those balls, quite often flicking it on or holding it up but finding himself far too isolated. Hopefully a better understanding of his game in time can lead to improved service and use of that back-to-goal work.

Substitutions

Dan Barlaser (for Azaz, 55’) - 5 - Failed to change the narrative of the game. The second goal was a fine example of how easy it is to surpass him in the midfield.

Morgan Whittaker (for Iling-Junior, 72’) - 5 - Unable to get into a game that quickly unravelled after his introduction, though through no fault of his own.

Tommy Conway (for Iheanacho, 72’) - 5 - Similar to Whittaker in that Boro’s late implosion killed any chance he had of having an impact in the game late on.