Kevin Blackwell was pleased with picking up a point as United kicked off the Championship at Middlesbrough on Friday night.

In a tense encounter at the Riverside, the Blades matched recently-relegated Boro in many areas.

Afterwards Blackwell said: "It was a professional performance away from home and we can get better - that pleases me. We had a good go, we got out of the traps and caused them problems. Overall, I'm happy with a point but we could have had three."

Assessing his team's display, the United boss added: "I was pleased with the goalkeeper - we couldn't bring him in and not play him, he looked assured and struck a great ball that put us on the front foot on a couple of occasions.

"Defensively we looked solid and in midfield I still think we are missing something that will give us an edge. Up front it was the first time that we have seen Evans and Henderson together, it excites me, that's why I put them together late on."