An own goal from defender Eric Lichaj and substitute Bjorn Helge Riise – both in the second half gifted the Bramall Lane club a two goal advantage against a poor Leeds side; and with the clock ticking towards the ninety the visitors were reduced to ten men when sub Billy Paynter was handed his marching orders.
On paper it was a game which United never should have won; they were the lowest scorers in the league (32) and in the drop zone whilst Leeds were the highest scorers in the Championship with 69 goals and inside the top six; Leeds were destined to sweep the Blades aside.
But it was a Yorkshire Derby and the Peacocks hadn’t won at Bramall Lane since they lifted the old First Division Championship on 26 April 1992.
It was the Blades who showed grit from the off and Matt Lowton came close when he headed straight at Kasper Schmeichel from a corner. At the other end Max Gradel narrowly headed wide when a goal looked likely after Lichaj’s crossed – this proved to be Leeds only real opportunity in front of goal throughout the match.
But his miss did nothing but spur the home side on, in a comedy moment Sam Vokes headed well wide of goal; almost hitting the corner flag after Doyle crossed and Schmeichel was kept busy when one-on-one Daniel Bogdanovic almost took the lead at the far post but the keeper did well to block.
Moments later Stephen Quinn fired at goal and looked to find the bottom right hand corner before the keeper turned it out for a corner.
In the second half it was the Blades who continued to dominate with Ched Evans shooting over before Barry Bannan fired wide from 35 yards.
With 55 minutes gone United took the lead; Captain Nick Montgomery crossed across goal and with Bogdanovic laying in wait at the far post Lichaj stretched to block, only to follow the ball home into the goal; 1-0.
Former Blade Leigh Bromby produced a fine tackle to prevent Sam Vokes in the box with Leeds reduced to shooting only at long distance; Bannan again attempted and failed – this time 25 yards out.
Micky Adams brought on fresh legs in the shape of Bjorne Helge Riise, replacing a battle torn Nick ‘Messi’ Montgomery and the on loan Fulham winger made an immediate impact –he doubled the Blades advantage having been on the field less than two minutes. He broke onto a Stephen Quinn pass before drilling home at an angle; 2-0.
In the dying moments of the game the visitors were reduced to ten men when following a corner substitute Billy Paynter was judged to have stamped on defender Shane Lowry in the box; referee Mike Jones handing the former Hull City striker a straight red card.
The final whistle came as a huge relief for the Blades who are battling against relegation and have a tough game coming up next with a trip to table toppers Queens Park Rangers.