Dan Barlaser, who plays for Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough, has said that he believes Sheffield United will ‘feel the pressure’ as the Championship season reaches its endgame.

Middlesbrough are chasing Sheffield United for the Blades’ automatic promotion spot – as things stand, four points separate the two teams, but United have a game in hand.

In a press conference, Barlaser said: “I was in that situation with Rotherham last year where we had quite a big gap. The last day it came down to one point. Football can be a mysterious game. We just have to focus on one game at a time. But I’d rather be the chaser, put it that way. You feel the pressure (when you’re being chased).

“I genuinely didn’t know [that United had lost to Millwall]. I don’t check results. I knew after the game, obviously. But we just concentrate on our game and the 13 games to come. We just have to concentrate on ourselves.”

Barlaser previously played for one of United’s South Yorkshire rivals, Rotherham United. He made 105 appearances for the Millers, scoring 14 goals.

Sheffield United have experienced something of a dip in form as of late. They have lost their last two games, including a home game against Boro. They were beaten 3-2 at the weekend by Millwall, despite goals from Manchester City loanees Tommy Doyle and James McAtee.

The Blades will play Watford in their next Championship fixture – can Paul Heckingbottom’s men get back on track, or will the wheels fall off?