Iliman Ndiaye's early opener looked set to lay the platform for a comfortable victory for a Blades side who were dominant early on and should have been two or three ahead at the break.
But Wigan had chances of their own, with Wes Foderingham making a smart save from Thelo Aasgaard and substitute Josh Magennis wasting a couple of good opportunities after coming off the bench.
Here’s how we rated United’s players as they strengthened their grip on second place ahead of Monday’s trip to champions-elect Burnley...
5. John Egan 7
Headed narrowly over the bar from Doyle's corner as United sought a second to help kill the game off. Otherwise a typical Egan performance really - headed it when it needed heading, clearing it when it needed clearing and using the ball when the chance arose, nearly sending Bogle clear early on with great vision but just overhitting the pass slightly Photo: Danny Lawson
6. Jack Robinson 7
Defensively solid as ever, tracking Lang all the way and timing his block perfectly as Wigan had a bit of a spell and looked to breakaway in search of an equaliser. Photo: Michael Regan
7. George Baldock 7
Lined up on the left wing with Lowe missing and was unfortunate not to pick up an assist after his intelligent knockdown to Sharp drew an excellent save from Amos in the Wigan goal. Didn't let the change in wing dampen his enthusiasm for getting forward and was laughably penalised for handball after being dragged to the floor by his man as he looked to break away Photo: Danny Lawson
8. Tommy Doyle 6
Looked for an early repeat of his Blackburn stunner last time out on this pitch as he hit an early effort following a corner routine, but struck it just too well and it went over. Played with fire in his belly as he scrapped for each ball but needed a little bit more ice in his veins on it, as he overhit a few shots from distance. Operated a little further forward when McAtee went off before he was replaced himself by John Fleck Photo: Andrew Yates