In a drab game between two evenly-matched teams for the most part, United went closest to breaking the deadlock when they twice hit the woodwork before suffering just before the end of the game, when Chris Basham fouled Victor Gyokeres and former Blades target Martyn Waghorn stepped up to score the winner from the penalty spot.
United suffered another injury blow earlier in the game when Rhys Norrington-Davies was stretchered off and have now taken just two points from a possible 15 since returning from the international break, losing their grip on the automatic promotion places ahead of this weekend’s visit of promotion rivals Norwich City.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on the whistle at the CBS Arena...
5. Chris Basham 4
Showed some signs of the Basham of old as he marauded forward from the left of defence but also had some tough moments against the lively Gyokeres when he had to call upon every ounce of his vast experience. Unfortunately one such match-up cost United the game as Basham fouled his man and Waghorn converted from the penalty spot Photo: Lexy Ilsley
6. Rhys Norrington-Davies n/a
Was stretchered off after around 10 minutes after driving down the left, crossing and then falling to the turf in some discomfort. A real worry for the Blades and the player, especially with a World Cup on the horizon. Let's hope it isn't serious enough to threaten his participation in Qatar Photo: Darren Staples
7. Ollie Norwood 7
Came closest to opening the scoring for either side for the first 50 minutes or so when his deep free-kick caused all sorts of trouble for Ben Wilson and rebounded off his crossbar. Did his off-the-ball work as ever in another impressive display Photo: Darren Staples
8. Tommy Doyle 5
Had a lucky escape when a loose pass inside the United box gave away possession but Baldock bailed him out with a good block. Worked tirelessly for the cause but struggled to find that moment of real quality before making way for Fleck with 10 to go Photo: Tim Goode