Michael Carrick's verdict on Sheffield United and big Middlesbrough win in promotion race

Boro's impressive recent run of form continued with a 3-1 victory over the Blades at Bramall Lane, recovering from a goal down to reduce United's advantage to seven points.

Oli McBurnie headed United into an early lead before Chuba Akpom's equaliser, with two second-half strikes from Cameron Archer sealing three big points for Carrick's side.

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"What will be, will be," the former Manchester United midfielder said of the promotion race. "We beat them tonight but they're a terrific team.

"They have so many threats and good things in their team which is why they are where they are. We're not getting carried away about positions, it's about performances.

"It's up to us to enjoy it and tomorrow look at the next game and towards Saturday.

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"I'm only interested in performances and winning games as they come along. The league in the end will be the league in the end. There's no point getting carried away with ifs and buts at this stage."

"I'm proud of the lads," the Boro chief added. "The belief they showed. The challenge was a big one coming here tonight. It wasn't about the league position, it was coming up against a good team on a great run and going a goal down made it even bigger. But the lads upped their levels and I'm really proud of them."