Another moment of magic from sub James McAtee, off the bench at half-time, was the difference between the two sides, while Iliman Ndiaye had a later strike ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Max O’Leary by Billy Sharp.
Here’s how we rated United's players after what could prove to be a huge win in the context of their promotion push...
9. Sander Berge 7
Lovely piece of play was inches away from setting Ndiaye free but O'Leary was out to just about snuff out the chance. Always looked to have that extra bit of time than anyone else on the field and never once looked flustered, even when being chased by a City man into some potentially dangerous positions. Photo: Simon Bellis
10. John Fleck 5
Recalled at McAtee's expense as one of two United changes and had the chance to stick his hand up to replace either McAtee or Doyle at Wembley this weekend, but every man in a United shirt struggled to get going in the first half and he didn't reappear for the second, replaced by McAtee. Photo: Andrew Yates
11. Iliman Ndiaye 7
Showed off his usual array of flicks and tricks but when the big moment came, it was a show of composure that saw him pick out McAtee in a great position with an inch-perfect pass for the Man City loanee to take on and finish. Thought he had added a goal of his own soon after but it was ruled out for a Sharp foul on goalkeeper O'Leary, before making way for Jebbison - who should have scored late on but somehow blazed over Photo: David Davies
12. Oli McBurnie 5
Enjoyed United's best chance of the first third of the game as Robinson's excellent cross from the left picked him out, but he couldn't get his header on target - and seemed to know he should have done better as he held his head in his hands. That set the tone for the rest of his game as he cut a frustrated figure before making way for Sharp Photo: Andrew Yates