The Blades thought they had broken the deadlock when Ollie Norwood’s second half strike hit the back of the net. But the celebrations were cut short by a late flag for offside, and United couldn’t find another way past Blackpool goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw.
Blackpool hit the crossbar in the first half through Josh Bowler, who also dragged a second-half shot just wide of the Blades goal in a good second-half display.
Here’s how we rated the Blades players at Bloomfield Road…
9. Iliman Ndiaye 5.5
Back in the starting XI after a spell on the bench, Ndiaye showed some glimpses of his ability to ghost past players and hold off defenders but it just couldn't quite click with those around him. Replaced by Hourihane Photo: Andrew Yates
10. Morgan Gibbs-White 5
Another of those evenings where not much United's star man tried came off - although, like with Ndiaye, it wasn't for the lack of trying Photo: Andrew Yates
11. Billy Sharp 5
Had United's first chance of the game when he took Ndiaye's pass and turned his marker, but his well-struck shot was wide of the far post with 'keeper Grimshaw beaten. Booked late on Photo: Andrew Yates
12. Subs: Conor Hourihane 5
Came on for Ndiaye but couldn't have much impact Photo: Ashley Crowden