Despite Oli McBurnie’s second-half opener, his fifth goal in six games, United couldn’t hang on and were pegged back when Troy Deeney equalised for the visitors soon after.
United had chances to win, substitute Billy Sharp seeing his one-on-one shot well saved by John Ruddy, and Norwich's win away at Blackpool saw them move to within a point of Paul Heckingbottom's men at the top of the Championship table.
Here’s how we rated the Blades against the Blues...
9. Tommy Doyle 6.5
Was involved a lot early on and linked up well with Khadra, a clever backheel almost forcing a chance before the German lost his footing. Later hit the top of the bar with a clever free-kick attempt that caught out Ruddy and showed a combative side as he exchanged words, let's say, with Chong at another coming-together. Made way to a good ovation and will be a serious player Photo: Simon Bellis
10. Sander Berge 5
Was the unfortunate man who flicked on for Deeney's equaliser and although he can hardly be blamed for that completely, it did rather sum up his afternoon. At least two crosses from a good position on the right went out of play rather than find a man, which they normally would, and he was some way off the domineering best we're used to seeing. Having said that, should have assisted the winning goal as he found Sharp but his shot was saved Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Iliman Ndiaye 5
Another who struggled to replicate his usual heights and planted a couple of headers wide when marginally off-balance. Still worked incredibly hard for the side as ever, chasing back to snuff out one attack and earning applause from the Kop Photo: Simon Bellis
12. Oli McBurnie 7
Enjoyed a typically-combative battle with his centre-half and was involved in a bit of pushing and shoving with Bielik before rifling the Blades ahead with a superb first-time finish, the mark of a real man in goalscoring form. Made way shortly after to a standing ovation Photo: Simon Bellis