Sheffield United fans amazed by Kalvin Phillips after what he did vs Middlesbrough
Sheffield United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough on Monday despite a spirited second-half comeback.
Despite a positive start at Bramall Lane, the Blades found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against a Middlesbrough side on the hunt for Premier League promotion.
While Chris Wilder’s side did come out fighting in the second period and pulled a goal back through Patrick Bamford, it was too little, too late.
Joe Rothwell’s late red card for Sheffield United also ended any hopes of a comeback, with the midfielder having a rotten debut for the Blades.
However, one player who looked far more promising was Kalvin Phillips, with fans quick to praise his cameo.
Chris Wilder reacts to Kalvin Phillips’ debut and the overall result 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/yTA3UhALvd
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 9, 2026
Sheffield United fans insist Kalvin Phillips has to start after debut
Phillips’ career has rapidly declined since his move to Man City from Leeds United in 2022.
The former England international had once been one of the best players in the Premier League, but a lack of minutes has seen his stock fall.
Loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich Town did not work out, which resulted in Phillips making a late loan move to Sheffield United in the winter window.
As a result, he came off the bench against Middlesbrough on Monday and was quick to impress, with his long-range passing a particular highlight.
Therefore, many Sheffield United fans were quick to take to X, demanding that Phillips start for Wilder’s side going forward.
That 13 minutes when we had Kalvin Phillips AND eleven men though
— @morsechode (@morsechode1) February 9, 2026
#twitterblades pic.twitter.com/bno0h1xzCO
Agree Phillips looked good when he came on
— Simon1889 (@Simon18893) February 9, 2026
Phillips has to start alongside Peck from now on, until Jairo is back at least. Offered us much more balance in midfield.
— Brad (@bradlc94) February 9, 2026
Phillips was better than the other 3 start with him and I think we’re better
— Joel Birmingham (@Joelbirmz12) February 9, 2026
phillips was brilliant
— sufcvisualzalt (@sufcvisualz) February 9, 2026
What a signing Kalvin Phillips is!. Changed the game. That pass to Gus to set Agent Pat up to bag was…. pic.twitter.com/tyfeHqa6Y8
— ⚔️Gemma Daffin⚔️ (@GemmaDaffin85) February 9, 2026
Phillips looked quality….no need to be starting Blaster now
— annies_song_ (@Annies_song_) February 9, 2026
How good was Phillips against Middlesbrough?
Despite his time on the pitch being short, Phillips certainly put in an excellent display and was quick to show off his quality, despite not being match-sharp.
According to Fotmob on 9 February, he completed all of his dribbles, only misplaced two passes, performed two tackles and two recoveries, as well as winning 67 per cent of his ground duels.
| Kalvin Phillips’ stats vs Middlesbrough | |
| Minutes | 23 |
| Dribble succes rate | 100% |
| Passing completion rate | 80% |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 67% |
Therefore, despite only being on the pitch for 23 minutes, his impact was apparent, and he is likely only going to get better once he is more up to speed.
While relegation or promotion is unlikely for the Blades this season, having a player of Phillips’ quality could really help Sheffield United going forward as they look to build momentum going into the 2026-27 campaign.