United were also indebted to goalkeeper Wes Foderingham for ensuring that the scoreline was not far, far worse as he made a number of impressive saves to prevent the scoreline being even worse.
United actually took the lead in the game, Sander Berge heading home a good cross from Conor Hourihane.
But a poor goal to concede helped City get back on level terms, and things only went downhill from there from a Blades perspective.
They were perhaps fortunate to go in at half-time level, but City begun the second half as they had ended the first and ran out convincing winners, with Callum O’Hare particularly influential and Viktor Gyokeres giving United’s defenders an afternoon they’ll want to quickly forget.
Foderingham was the only player to come out with any real credit – click through our photo gallery to see how our man rated United’s players ...
9. Sander Berge 6
Put United ahead with a commanding header into the top corner of Moore's goal and was the best of United's midfielders, which admittedly isn't the highest of bars to set. Gets an extra point for his goal Photo: Ashley Crowden
10. Morgan Gibbs-White 4
To his credit he never stopped running for the team but it was one of those afternoons where nothing went right for him and United looked worse as a side as a result. Had a good chance when Moore half-cleared a cross but he put it just over Photo: Ashley Crowden
11. Billy Sharp 5
Fed on scraps all afternoon on what will have been an incredibly frustrating afternoon for the skipper. Had a volleyed effort saved by his big pal Moore after a poor header back let him in Photo: Ashley Crowden
12. Subs: Oli McBurnie 4
Came on for Norwood but didn't have much impact before going off again Photo: Andrew Yates