Manchester City loan stars James McAtee and Tommy Doyle were both on target for the Blades after Edouard Michut had put the home side ahead.
United bounced back in style after their weekend defeat to Luton, with Boro's draw with Stoke last night giving them the chance to move further clear of Michael Carrick's men in the race for the Premier League.
Here’s how we rated Heckingbottom's men in the game …
5. John Egan 6.5
May have been a breakdown in communication with Robinson for Sunderland's opener as they both followed the same man and left Michut free to score. Showed good defensive instincts to be in the right place at the right time but also some moments when he rushed out of position in haste to chase the ball and left United vulnerable on the counter-attack Photo: Simon Bellis
6. Jack Robinson 5
Saw yellow inside the first 20 minutes for a professional foul on Sa as the Sunderland man looked to break clear. Caught ballwatching for Sunderland's opener and gave Michut the freedom of the north-east to pick his spot and beat Foderingham Photo: Simon Bellis
7. Max Lowe 6
A superb ball across the face of goal somehow wasn't converted before he joined Robinson in the book early on by pulling back Roberts after he threatened to get the better of him. Coped okay after that against the lively Roberts but also guilty of a couple of rash decisions on the ball Photo: Michael Regan
8. Tommy Doyle 8
Playing in 'the Norwood role' with United's quarter-back on the bench and was impressive, even before his free-kick put the Blades ahead in the second half. Gave United's midfield energy as he got about the pitch, jumping on Sunderland's dangermen and putting a foot in where required as well as linking up nicely with City teammate McAtee Photo: Simon Bellis