The Blades were undone by a goal from Arsenal loanee Joe Willock, and are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the top flight this term.
Significantly, Wednesday also saw the return of supporters for their trip to St. James’ Park, and interim boss Paul Heckingbottom admitted that it was good to have fans back in the stands.
Speaking after the game, he said: “It was totally different.
“We pulled up at the hotel and there were people at the bar; people were walking about. It just felt totally different.
“I can’t believe it’s been 15 months, over a season without fans. It’s crazy, it’s had its effect on a lot of people and I hope we never have to do it again.
"I thought we started really well, stopped them playing forwards and created good chances, which we didn’t take,” Heckingbottom added.
“Then we got punished which has been the story of the season.
“We were in control of the game for the first half hour or so and when you fall behind it’s a tough game. We huffed and puffed in the second half, had a lot of the ball but we had to try and get back in the game.”
Sheffield United’s final game in the top flight comes against Burnley on Sunday.
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Hammers keen on Oxlade-Chamberlain
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Liverpool's £35m midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England international looks set to leave Anfield this summer, and could be snapped up at a cut-price £22m (Football Insider) (Photo by Zac Goodwin - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
2. Eze ruled out
Crystal Palace have been dealt a major blow, with star midfielder Eberechi Eze out until 2022 with an Achilles injury suffered in training. The £16m man has impressed for the Eagles this season, in his debut top tier campaign. (The Athletic) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
3. Blues linked with Lewandowski
Reports from Germany have claimed that Chelsea have made contact with Bayern Munich over the possibility of signing Poland icon Robert Lewandowski this summer. He's scored a stunning 40 league goals for his side this season. (Sky Germany) (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) Photo: Matthias Hangst
4. Reds keen on Goncalves
Liverpool have been tipped to make a move for Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves, who has been dubbed the "next Bruno Fernandes". He's previously been valued at a hefty £50m. (Record) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA