Middlesbrough win proves Hayden Hackney point as Ruben Selles makes another costly Sheffield United error

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As Middlesbrough notched a home win over a struggling Sheffield United side, we looked at five things you may have missed from the contest.

Middlesbrough managed a fourth consecutive Championship win, courtesy of a comfortable 1-0 victory at home to a beleaguered Sheffield United side.

Whilst Boro controlled the tie in the first half, they were unable to make their chances count, going into the interval goalless.

However, a reshuffling of the pack at half time, which saw Rob Edwards turn to Matt Targett from the bench, proved to work wonders as the Newcastle United loanee set up Tommy Conway to break the deadlock.

Middlesbrough would go on to see out the game, leaving Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles with plenty to ponder as his side continue to sit rock bottom of the Championship.

Following the game, here are five things you may have missed…

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Sydie Peck was incredibly lucky to escape a red card

Sheffield United struggled immensely in the first half, as Ruben Selles’ side found themselves up against the cosh.

Whilst the Blades’ display was very limited, things could have been even worse if Sydie Peck was handed a red card, and arguably, he was lucky to receive just a yellow.

Peck lunged in on Middlesbrough man Sam Silvera, making clear contact with his studs on the ankle of the Australian.

It was a careless challenge by the youngster, and he could have made life even more difficult for his side.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jobi McAnuff described it as a ‘shocking challenge’, whilst Neil Warnock said that ‘you jump off your seat when watching it’ and that it was a ‘certain red’.

Middlesbrough can not lose Hayden Hackney under any circumstances

Once again, it was no surprise to see Hayden Hackney shine in the centre of the park and make a huge impact, whether it was his tracking back and dispossessing of the Sheffield United players, or his creative ability to help fashion chances.

Hackney has been linked with Premier League moves, and this game showcased that without him, Middlesbrough would be a shadow of themselves.

The 23-year-old saw plenty of the ball in the game, and also made a crucial impact when dropping back to help defend as well.

Tyrese Campbell continues to be passive for Sheffield United

Against both Swansea City and Millwall, Tyrese Campbell struggled to make an impact on the game, which had prohibited Ruben Selles’ side from getting in on the goals.

The Sheffield United striker once again offered a lacking performance, notably making just six touches and not a single shot towards goal in the first half.

He was not the only one to struggle in the Sheffield United frontline, as both Andre Brookes and Louie Barry failed to make a significant impact.

It has to come down to the lack of service the frontline were receiving from midfield as opposed to the personnel, and Selles will be keen to correct this obvious inability in his side.

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Rob Edwards’ changes were crucial

At half-time, Rob Edwards surprisingly made a double substitution, despite having a solid opening half against Sheffield United. In came Matt Targett and Sverre Nypan, both of which made a brilliant impact on the game.

As Boro searched for an opening, it came after a delightful ball from the left flank by Targett to find Tommy Conway, who made no mistake in slotting it past the clutches of Michael Cooper.

Targett boasts the Premier League quality needed to turn around a game, and he did just that only 20 minutes into the contest.

Whilst Targett helped give Edwards’ side extra width, Nypan also showed excitement when on the ball. His impact was not as significant, but Edwards will be pleased with his showing and what he offered to the side.

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Ruben Selles should not have turned to Tom Cannon on the bench

Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles was keen to make changes after his side went 1-0 down, and with proven Premier League goalscorer Danny Ings on the bench, he instead opted for Tom Cannon.

Blades forward Cannon has the quality to change a game at Championship level, but he is yet to show that at Sheffield United.

In the midst of such a difficult time at the club, where he has been far from impactful, it makes no sense as to why Selles decided to put him into the side