Neil Warnock's dig at Barnsley's style after comparison is made to his promotion-winning Sheffield United side

Neil Warnock praised Barnsley’s team spirit and desire after his Middlesbrough side were beaten 2-0 at Oakwell – but the Boro boss couldn’t resist a dig at the Tykes’ tactics.
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Second-half goals from Alex Mowatt and Daryl Dike secured a 2-0 win for the hosts, who have adopted a direct style of play under manager Valerien Ismael.

When asked about Barnsley by a Tykes reporter after the match, Warnock said: “They deserve everything they get for the maximum amount of running that they’re doing but I don’t think my lads would enjoy playing in the team. I don’t think Paddy McNair would fit in or Grant Hall, or Jonny Howson.

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“Like I said there’s no divine right, I hope they go up me, I love it here but I’m glad I’ve only got to come once. You have to report on it every week.”

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

When it was put to him that his Sheffield United side would build on that collective desire and spirit, Warnock added: “My Sheffield United side, I’m not being funny, I think Chris Morgan looked like Beckenbauer in comparison to theirs.

“They don’t think about anything but hoofing it straight away do they, there’s no bringing it down and trying to play.

“I think my Sheffield United team had a bit more than that, (Phil) Jagielka and people like that.

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“The spirit has to be fantastic and like I said I hope they go up, I was talking to some of the staff. They ruffle a few feathers.”

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