Middlesbrough: Kim Hellberg’s “controlled chaos” leads Boro to the top

In the aftermath of the latest win at Bramall Lane, Hellberg said that the target was not promotion but continued improvement as the prizes are not decided in February.

But regular Boro watchers will know that the first 45 minutes against the Blades was the best football of the season with two goals scored, eight shots on target and a high possession count.

Australia midfielder Riley McGree was one of the goalscorers and he has enjoyed a welcome return from the injury that kept him on the sidelines in the autumn.

He sums up the team’s fast-passing style that is reaping such rewards.

“At times it is controlled chaos, but there is definitely a method to it,” McGree told BBC Radio Tees.

“We train for these moments, we train for the output that we’re going to have in games and I think it paid credit to that.”

While it’s clear that Hellberg’s humility and work ethic is rubbing off on the squad despite them now hitting the league’s summit.

He added: “We’re in form, aren’t we? We’re six from six, but you need to respect everyone in the Championship, whoever you come up against.

“And I think we will continue to prepare like we always do and go out there and try to continue the run we’re on.”