United looked to be up against it when Max Lowe gave away an early penalty which Sory Kaba converted, but the Blades hit back through James McAtee, Jack Robinson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ciaran Clark to take another step towards automatic promotion.
5. John Egan 7.5
A typical Egan performance in many ways that started in the centre of defence, ended on the right of the back three and never saw the Ireland man look anything but comfortable against a Cardiff side who looked lively at times, both on the deck and in the air Photo: Simon Bellis
6. Jack Robinson 8.5
Came out for the second half even more fired up than usual, which takes some doing, and flew into every tackle with extra aggression. Even his goal looked angry, as he threw himself at Doyle's excellent cross to head home on the dive and followed the ball into the Kop goal for good measure. Didn't put a foot wrong in a superb display, especially after he was unfairly scapegoated by some sections of supporters for Foderingham's red card at Burnley Photo: Richard Sellers
7. Max Lowe 6
Back in the side after missing the last two games through illness and made a poor decision to lead with his foot for a high ball, catching Simpson of Cardiff and allowing Kaba to give his side the lead from the penalty spot. Photo: Andrew Yates
8. Tommy Doyle 7.5
A rare misstep early in the game almost put United in trouble as he attempted to pass inside his own box and it hit Lowe, rebounding kindly to a Cardiff man before the chance was snuffed out. Did superbly for Robinson's goal, with a wicked cross that was begging to be attacked and the defender didn't turn it down. Totally committed in his tackling against his old team before making way for Norwood Photo: Andrew Yates