The Blades looked to be in control of the game in the first half when Dan Neil saw red for bringing down league debutant James McAtee, before Ahmedhodzic headed home the opener from Ollie Norwood's corner just moments later.
The Blades doubled their advantage in the second half when Max Lowe tapped home following a beautiful move, but Lynden Gooch’s excellent chipped finish gave the Black Cats some hope of nicking a point before the full-time whistle, after seven minutes of injury time, sealed United’s second win of the season.
Here’s how we rated the Blades’ players …
5. John Egan 6.5
Did not put a foot wrong in the first half as he won everything that came his way and turned provider too, with two wonderful cross-field passes to the feet of Baldock on the right wing. But undid the hard work somewhat in the second with a sloppy pass which led to Sunderland pulling one back, losing a point. Saw a late header cleared off the line which almost redeemed him Photo: Marc Atkins
6. Rhys Norrington-Davies 6
Looked up for the fight from the first whistle as he drove forward with the ball and handled the threats of Stewart and Simms well enough when necessary. Looks comfortable at left centre-half in the injury absences of Clark and Robinson Photo: Darren Staples
7. Max Lowe 7.5
Having been challenged on the eve of the game to stake a claim for a starting spot on the left of defence, Lowe certainly did that by ghosting into a brilliant attacking position to tap home the Blades' second. Had his best game since coming back from his loan spell, by some way Photo: Isaac Parkin
8. Ollie Norwood 8
Saw a brilliantly-struck shot bravely blocked by a Sunderland head when it was destined to at least severely test Patterson in the home goal. His corner picked out Ahmedhodzic for the Blades' opener and the two combined again for Lowe's second. Could have scored a screamer in the second half but Patterson saved well Photo: Darren Staples