Paul Heckingbottom aims to carry on regardless as Middlesbrough rival Carrick attempts to break new ground

As has been the case throughout Paul Heckingbottom's outstanding tenure, the Blades are preparing for another home fixture of consequence and are extremely well versed in that regard and mostly successful.

Boro's run since Michael Carrick took over in late October has been headturning.

But the fact remains that their haul of 34 Championship points from 15 matches, comfortably over two points per game, is still behind the similarly awesome statistics of leaders Burnley - 36 points from 13 matches ahead of last night's action - and second-placed United, 35 from 14 games in that same time frame.

Boro’s total of 11 wins has been very impressive. It includes triumphs at Norwich and Blackburn, but victory over the Blades would raise the bar significantly.

In two away fixtures against sides in top order so far during the Carrick era in Burnley and Sunderland, Boro have been second-best.

They face a United side who hammered them 4-1 in a promotion meeting at S2 almost 12 months ago and are chasing a seventh successive home victory in all competitions.

Going into the game, the Blades hold a ten-point buffer over third-placed Boro, with a game in hand.

Defender Jayden Bogle said: "It's about embracing the big games, getting confidence from going out there and performing. It's a good test individually and collectively.

"Every game is a big game. Maybe this one little bit more. What we do comes back to the mentality. When one comes up, we know how to deal with the big games.

"We know what the end goal is. It’s a great squad, everyone bonds well, A promotion would be massive. A lot of the boys here have done a promotion and know what to expect, That funnels down.

"It’s standards that get set. They don't have to have a conservation where they tell you what its like. They set standards by example."

Heckingbottom, who has a doubt over Billy Sharp (ankle) commented: "The position we have managed to get ourselves in, we accept it's a big game. We want it to be billed as a big game and we enjoy them."

Bramall Lane is a far from happy hunting ground for Boro, who have won just once there since 1987-88.

Whatever transpires, it is fair to say that Carrick has taken to management masterfully and looks a natural, just as Heckingbottom did in his early time at Barnsley and is continuing to do so with the Blades.

A former trainee at Old Trafford, Heckingbottom has previously cited the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson in his career and the managerial grandee remains close to Carrick.

He will be delighted with the start that his ex-midfielder has made to management. He will also have noted the job done by Heckingbottom.

Carrick, who has a doubt over Cameron Archer, said: “I speak to him quite regularly. I saw him last week at my dinner for my Foundation. I had a good chat. He is pleased things are going well for me – a few pointers here and there, which he always does. That was nice."

On the importance of today's game and occasion, he continued: “We know where we stand and what’s at stake in terms of how the result can affect the league table.

"But there is no point in getting carried away in ifs and buts and letting that take any of attention or energy or emotional focus.

"We’re all striving to get out of the league and to be promoted. But there is no point talking about it every day and discussing it every day."

Last six games: Sheff Utd WWDDWW; Middlesbrough LDLWWW.

Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).

Last time: Sheff Utd 4 Middlesbrough 1, March 8, 2022; Championship.