Tommy Conway's second-half goal extended Middlesbrough's perfect start to the Championship season, sealing a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United that lifted Rob Edwards' side to the top of the table and delivered the club's best league opening in 31 years.
Conway calmly finished from debutant Matt Targett's precise through-ball, itself created by fellow new arrival Sverre Nypan, to make it four wins from four for Boro, while condemning the Blades to a fourth straight defeat. Ruben Selles' side, still with only one league goal and without a point, remained bottom after their worst start to a campaign outside the top flight since 1995, and their frustration was encapsulated when substitute Sam McCallum fired over in stoppage time as the visitors ended the night without a single shot on target amid away-fan chants for their manager's dismissal.
Boro's Wing-Backs Drive an Assertive Opening
Middlesbrough were the sharper side from the outset, repeatedly using their wing-backs to pin Sheffield United deep. On the left, Sam Silvera, revitalised after two quiet loan spells last term, almost provided an early breakthrough when he cut inside and saw a low drive clip the outside of the far post. Soon after, Aidan Morris surged down the right and pulled the ball back dangerously, only for his cross to flash through a crowded box and somehow evade four team-mates in red.