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 …
9. Sander Berge 7
Had a relatively quiet first half by his own very high standards but showed his class moments into the second, when his superb dummy sent Ahmedhodzic free to cross for Lowe to tap home. Was too deep with McAtee on the pitch and Fleck coming on enabled him to play higher up the pitch Photo: Darren Staples
10. James McAtee 6
Making his full league debut for the Blades, he was struggling to really get a foothold in the game but then caused its biggest flashpoint to that point when he seized upon Neil's mistake, forcing him to bring him down and get sent off. Was replaced by Fleck, enabling Berge to play further forward Photo: Darren Staples
11. Iliman Ndiaye 7
Was bright again but may have given United another injury scare as he went straight down the tunnel after being replaced by McBurnie with about 15 minutes remaining of the game Photo: Isaac Parkin
12. Rhian Brewster 6
In from the start as one of two Blades changes after his impressive cameo at Middlesbrough last weekend, he couldn't replicate the same heights but worked tirelessly for the cause before being replaced by Khadra Photo: Darren Staples