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...
5. Harrison Burrows 6
The left-back was a threat down the left with his delivery into the box and should have had a penalty when he was wiped out from behind by Hyam but referee Webb waved away the appeals despite appearing to be looking straight at one of the most blatant fouls you'll see all season. Earlier a clever flick from Peck's free-kick may have tested Patterson but for a block before it could get to him, before a brilliant bit of defending dispossessed Rathbone when he looked to get a shot away in first-half injury time. Defending isn't his strong suit but that was superb and at a key time, too, to preserve the lead. Deserves credit for somehow managing to control an absolute monster of a pass from sub Cannon in the second half too, that nearly took his head off | ugc
6. Kalvin Phillips 7
Uncharacteristically careless a couple of times on the ball in the first half and had to ride his luck to keep possession in key areas on both occasions after offering Wrexham midfielders a sniff before recovering. He also gave United an injury scare when he went down and had some treatment on an ankle in front of the dugouts, with Arblaster called back and looking set to take his place. But Phillips continued and didn't look too troubled by the issue, although he was booked in the second half for fouling Sheaf in a not-too-dissimilar fashion to Choudhury's contentious second yellow at Portsmouth earlier this month. Another classy display though | UGC
7. Sydie Peck 6
Another solid display in the middle of the park to help United win the midfield battle. Forced a save from Patterson a third of the way through the first half after it fell kindly to him from Brereton Diaz's knockdown but he didn't catch it as cleanly as he'd have wanted and the visiting 'keeper saved comfortably. Struck an effort better in injury time as United pushed for a second to kill off the game but Patterson was equal to it again | ugc
8. Tahith Chong 5
Kept his place down the right and had some bright moments but some frustrating ones too before he made way | ugc