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...
9. Sander Berge 7,5
Heavily involved early in the game both with and without the ball, spraying a lovely pass to Baldock on the left wing and sticking his body on the line a couple of times in midfield to avoid surrendering possession - most notably in the build-up to Ndiaye's opening goal. Continued to put himself about before looking to take the initiative during a Blades lull and shoot himself - the shot went over but the intent was commendable Photo: Andrew Yates
10. James McAtee 7
Didn't see much of the ball early on but when he did he used it to devastating effect, driving from deep and beating a couple of men before sliding an inch-perfect cross for Ndiaye to tap home for the Blades' opener. Linked up well with Ndiaye after that - oh, to be a defender facing those two in full flight - but also caused teammates and crowd alike some touches of frustration with wayward passes when in good situations. Made way for Norwood Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Iliman Ndiaye 9
A magician. Highlighted his growing maturity and influence once more with a real poacher's effort for the first goal, taking up the sort of position Sharp would have been proud of before sliding in for his 13th of the season. Could have had a wonderful 14th, but his shot was blocked by McClean on the line after Ndiaye beat three or four Wigan players. Wigan had little answer to his skills and Tiehi resorted to cleaning him out instead, picking up a booking. Photo: Andrew Yates
12. Billy Sharp 6.5
Made way to a standing ovation in the 66th minute but will have been frustrated not to have done so having scored his latest landmark goal, having twice been thwarted by Ben Amos. The first was a reaction wondersave, the second from a header Sharp may feel he could have done better with. A typically industrious shift from the Blades skipper Photo: Danny Lawson