Wigan extended their unbeaten run to 14 games but came up against their toughest opposition so far this season as Sheffield United claimed a deserved draw at the JJB Stadium.
The home side got off to a dream start when Geoff Horsfield pounced after just four minutes to convert Andy Liddell's inch-perfect centre but from then on it was the visitors who frequently held the upper hand.
Spurred on by midfielder Michael Brown, United took the game to their opponents but could not find their way through a resolute home defence.
The best opening of the first half came when Brown fired a fierce drive straight at John Filan from 20 yards and then Paul Peschisolido was inches away from turning in a cross from Peter Ndlovu.
Wigan had a chance to add to their lead just before the break when Lee McCulloch headed just over from Nicky Eaden's centre.
The pattern continued after the break with United having all of the possession but failing to turn their superiority into chances.
They were almost made to pay when another cross from Liddell was met on the volley by Horsfield only for the ball to fly inches wide of the post.
But United got their reward with just five minutes left when substitute Jack Lester, who had replaced veteran Stuart McCall nine minutes earlier, finished off a jinking run down the left-hand side with a fierce drive into the roof of the net.