On an evening when United could have gone 13 points clear of their third-placed rivals, their advantage was instead cut to seven as two goals from Cameron Archer helped secure a big win for Michael Carrick’s Boro.
United began the game in dream fashion thanks to Oli McBurnie’s early opener but Boro recovered well and finished the first half well on top, before Archer struck twice in the second half after Chuba Akpom dragged them level.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on a rare evening to forget at Bramall Lane...
9. Sander Berge 4
Couldn't get in the game at all in the type of game United needed their star men to step up and take control Photo: Simon Bellis
10. James McAtee 5
Saw an early shot saved by City pal Zack Steffen after a bit of good fortune saw the ball ricochet to him. Faded after a bright start and spooned a horror pass out for a corner after inexplicably trying to pass back to Foderingham from near the halfway line. Was fouled in build-up to Boro's third but the ref played advantage and Boro broke to score. To his credit never let his head drop or stopped trying to make something happen Photo: Andrew Yates
11. Iliman Ndiaye 4
Sent clear on goal by a brilliant McAtee pass but seemed caught in two minds between shooting and squaring and Steffen came out to smother his eventual effort. Had another one-on-one in the second half but Steffen again saved. Still seems far from his commanding best Photo: Simon Bellis
12. Oli McBurnie 5.5
Started the game in confident fashion with a lovely Cryuff turn to take him away from his man and wasted no time making further impact, nodding the Blades ahead with a well-placed header. Played Ndiaye in for a big chance with a nice pass but it was blocked. Booked for protesting Boro's third goal Photo: Simon Bellis