The Blades responded well to Saturday’s setback at Stoke City, which saw them drop to eighth, as Ollie Norwood scored a first-half winner against another play-off chasing side in QPR.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side were good value for their lead, but Rangers came into the game as the first half wore on and began to create more opportunities. But goalkeeper Wes Foderingham ended the game without a proper save to make as United picked up another three points at home.
They return to Bramall Lane this weekend to face second-placed Bournemouth, with four of their remaining six games at home.
But the victory came at a cost, with new boy Filip Uremovic limping out of the game around the hour mark with what looked to be a knee complaint.
9. Sander Berge 7.5
Caused the QPR defence so many issues when he drove at them from deep and his weight of pass was so precise to set one of his teammates free. Was targeted increasingly often by some physical challenges and made way with seven minutes to go for Osborn Photo: George Wood
10. Morgan Gibbs-White 7
Looked up for it almost straight from kick-off when a nice bit of skill saw him lift the ball over his man. Almost scored an audacious dinked/chipped effort which beat Westwood but also went over the bar. Curled a late effort just wide which would have sealed it Photo: Richard Seller
11. Oli McBurnie 7
Came back into the side after his injury absence to lead the line up top and put in a real shift from the start, receiving roars of encouragement from the crowd for every press, challenge and defensive clearance. Came off to a standing ovation from a crowd who appreciated his workrate Photo: Andrew Yates
12. Subs: Jack Robinson 7
Slotted in at right centre-half and let no-one down in an unfamiliar position Photo: Darren Staples