And they deservedly did so thanks to Ben Brereton Diaz’s winner from close range while restricting Wrexham to a first shot on target in the 96th minute as pressure mounts on boss Phil Parkinson following their big summer spend.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on the night...
1. Michael Cooper 6
A first shot on target for the away side in the 96th minute sums up how busy Cooper's evening was, and even that was a header he could have dropped a cap on. The goalkeeper even turning provider at one stage with a clever kick to send Ayew through on goal but Sheaf got back to snuff out the chance with a superb recovery tackle | ugc
2. Hamza Choudhury 6
Another solid shift from the midfielder at right-back with Seriki not yet up to starting, although he did come off the bench later on and played in a more advanced right-sided role. You know what you'll get from Choudhury in that position - not a great deal of attacking threat, although he looked to get forward when he could, but defensive solidarity. Made way with a few minutes to go for McGuinness to allow Seriki to return to right-back | ugc
3. Japhet Tanganga 7
It promised to be a tough evening for United's centre halves against Moore but the former Blade, who was booed by Unitedites, was kept largely quiet by Tanganga and Co. Instead he had his biggest impact on the game with the ball, setting up an early chance with a lovely raking pass for Donovan and showing some good attacking intent early on with a barrelling run down the right. A timely block later kept out O'Brien's effort - it may have not been going in but Tanganga wasn't to know that and a huge chance went begging for the away side | ugc
4. Liam Kitching 6
Sparked the biggest roar inside Bramall Lane in the opening exchanges when he won the ball off Kabore in a dangerous position and then chased down Hyam to win a throw-in. It won't be on any highlights reels but it was another moment that showed that Kitching understands what it means to play for this football club, even if he couldn't get through the game without picking up the booking that will rule him out of next Tuesday's trip to Preston North End as he was adjudged to have brought down Smith just before the hour mark | ugc