McManus is enjoying being reunited with David Wheater at the Riverside

Middlesbrough defender Stephen MacManus hopes he can establish a partnership with fellow centre-back David Wheater at the heart of their defence.

McManus, 27, figured alongside Wheater while on loan from Celtic last season, and is keen to develop an understanding after his permanent switch to Teesside.

"It's important that you get a settled back four," McManus told BBC Tees.

"I thoroughly enjoyed playing with David Wheater when I was on loan and I hope that can continue."

McManus and his defensive colleagues earned Middlesbrough a creditable goalless draw at Leicester City, helped by goalkeeper Jason Steele who made a string of good saves to earn the club's first points of the Championship season.

Scotland international McManus has been impressed with Steele's recent progress, and is convinced the Newton Aycliffe-born goalkeeper is set for a successful career.

"He's been a different class. We were lucky to be able to watch the game [against Chesterfield] while we were on international duty, and I thought he did tremendously well," McManus added.

"At the weekend [against Leicester] he was very good again, so he's got a bright future in the game."

Middlesbrough welcome Sheffield United to the Riverside on Sunday, 22 August.

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