But victory may have come at a price as Iliman Ndiaye, their star man this season who opened the scoring, limped off with injury in the second half.
Jayden Bogle scored twice for the Blades, either side of Nick Powell’s consolation for the hosts – as United made harder work than they perhaps needed to of adding another three points to their tally.
Here’s how we rated the Blades players...
5. John Egan 6
Booked for a late challenge on Tymon as the pressure built on the Blades but otherwise didn't really put a foot wrong in another solid display Photo: Andrew Yates
6. Jack Robinson 6
Had a difficult afternoon against the lively Brown, who troubled him with his pace and later power in the build-up to Stoke's opening goal. But a few big challenges and headers when it mattered too, including one late on with Brown looking to cause havoc Photo: Andrew Yates
7. Max Lowe 6
On his comeback from a side strain issue, Lowe made a quick impression with a dangerous low cross that Ndiaye turned home for his 10th of the campaign. His influence faded as United struggled to get going in the second half but he was still always available and trying to make things happen Photo: Andrew Yates
8. Ollie Norwood 6
A mixed bag. Some excellent interceptions and tackles to break up play but wasn't at his usual composed best with the ball, with some passes going astray. Has set his own high standards this season so any deviation, however slight, is so noticeable Photo: Andrew Yates