Lifelong Blades fan Adams has endured a miserable tenure since replacing Gary Speed at Bramall Lane at the end of December, failing to record a win in his first 13 games in charge.
But he finally masterminded a victory as goals from on-loan striker Sam Vokes, his first for the club, and defender Matt Lowton boosted United's hopes of avoiding relegation with a 2-1 win after Dele Adebola had giving promotion-hopefuls Nottingham Forest a half-time lead.
Adams admitted he had become tired of hearing about United's poor form since he took over at the club and urged his side to kick on and mount a brave battle to avoid the drop.
"We've got to use it as a springboard for the last 10 games and see what we can do," said Adams.
"There was a massive mental barrier we needed to break down I think and hopefully that's done now, we've smashed it down.
"People will stop talking about it now and we can all get on with our lives, because I was sick of reading about it and seeing it. It's behind us now, we've got to look forward and move on. Ten games to go, got to give it a real go, we're not dead men."
Source: PA
Source: PA