Anis Slimane, George Baldock and Iliman Ndiaye were on target for the Blades, who were missing three players - Ollie Norwood, John Fleck and Daniel Jebbison - through injury, with the new Premier League season only two weeks away.
Ndiaye’s future continues to be the source of speculation but he was as impactful as ever here in Derby, linking up well with Will Osula and putting the gloss on the victory with a third goal that rattled off the crossbar and in.
Here are our player ratings from the Blades’ second win of pre-season...
9. Anis Slimane 8
Had a great chance for his first goal in Blades colours when he blazed over a good chance - after some intricate play following a clever stepover from the midfielder - but got it soon after, rifling home the follow-up after Ndiaye was denied by Bradley. Went off later in the game for Basham with what could be another injury concern | Getty Images
10. Iliman Ndiaye 8
Could, and should, have put United ahead when he pounced on a poor backpass and danced round Wildsmith but to be fair Bradley did exceptionally well to get back on the line and block it. Did well to set up Osula’s big first-half chance but then a poor pass sold the youngster short as United raced clear from Osula’s good flick-on. Made amends with a lovely flick before Osula’s shot was blocked. Sealed victory with a lovely finish off the crossbar | Getty Images
11. Will Osula 7
Will have been desperate to impress against his former club and almost got a goal with a nice chip that went over Wildsmith but clipped the bar and bounced to safety. Saw another good chance later on blocked after he was knocked slightly off balance. Looks a real threat and when he gets that first goal, the hope is that he’ll only kick on from there | Getty Images
12. Subs: Chris Basham 7
Came on for the final 15 minutes or so for Slimane and set up Ndiaye’s goal with a nice pass after a driving run forward | Sportimage