If going on a winless run of 11 matches in all competitions wasn't bad enough, United turned out yet another tepid performance in front of an unsurprisingly low crowd of 4,189 at the Lane.
A JPT tie has probably never had as much significance attached to it than the one tonight, purley because of the run of results, with pressure mounting increasingly on the Scotsman's shoulders.
Languishing in the relegation places of England's third tier, David Weir probably hoped a cup game would spark renewed hope and promise tonight. As the old saying goes, form goes right out of the window in cup competitions; that wasn't the case as United's dreadful start to the season was worsened with a 2nd Round cup exit.
Weir made five changes to the starting XI that salvaged a measly point at home to Crawley last Friday night, and one of the new starters in the side almost put the Blades in front. Conor Coady whipped Lyle Taylor's ball-across on to the top of Flinders' crossbar in the opening minute, but that was really just about as good as it was going to get for United.
The Monkey Hangers should have taken the lead themselves shortly after when Luke James managed to keep himself onside but dragged his shot wide of Howard's post despite being in a one-on-one situation.
Colin Cooper's men did take the lead though on 37 minutes through James Poole's volley in front of the empty Kop, prompting groans from the home fans.
Another absurd showing was to follow in the second period. Flinders comfortably saving a few long range efforts from Baxter, King and Hall, but that was just about it with neither team creating many chances of note.
The traveling faithful from the North East began to taunt the dejected Weir with chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning," only for sections of the home support to start joining in and voicing their displeasure at results and performances.
It was another extremely disappointing night for the manager and his players, as he stood motionless and seemingly crestfallen next to the tunnel waiting for his staff to exit down the tunnel, then to be followed by a chorus of boos directed at himself as he made his way out.