The Blades go into the final fixture of the season with a chance of slipping into the play-off pack and gain an opportunity to win promotion to the Premiership - however they must overcome Southampton at St Mary's Stadium and prey that results for Crystal Palace, Watford, Wolverhampton and/or Ipswich Town end in either a draw or defeat.
But it was two goals from experienced midfielder Gary Speed that handed United the victory and claim their eighth victory in ten. Just three minutes in United were handed an early set back when striker James Beattie limped off the field with a pulled muscle and was replaced by Rob Hulse.
Little time had gone when City found a way through, Louis Carey setting up Jamie McCombe who could only hook over the top and at the other end Matthew Kilgallon was just kept out by Adriano Basso following a Michael Tonge corner.
But, on 25th minute the ball was in the back of the net at the wrong end, Ugo Ehiogu dragged down Dele Adebola in the box and former Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley midfielder Michael McIndoe slipped his spot kick past Kenny.
The former Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers defender was promptly substituted for Lee Martin, with Gary Speed moving into the back four.
It took just four minutes later the Blades had the ball in the back of the net when Gary Speed headed home from a deadly Michael Tonge corner.
United took the game by the scruff of the neck from there on with Rob Hulse firing over the top as did Stephen Quinn moments later.
David Cotterill then steamed down the right hand side and his low drill should have ended in a goal by Hulse somehow flashed over the top, but on 55th minute the home side took the lead when McIndoe handled in the box and referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot - with no Beattie on the field Speed stepped up and slammed the ball home past Basso.
The result stayed at that with neither team producing any more near misses, the result leaves United in 9th and with just one game remaining there is still opportunity of reaching the play-offs as Crystal Palace lost 2-1 at Hull City, Watford lost 1-0 at home to Scunthorpe United, Wolverhampton could only draw at Coventry City (1-1) and Ipswich Town drew at Preston North End to set up a nervy final day next Sunday!!!