Alex Neil’s side held their own for the opening 30 minutes before Dan Neil was shown a straight red card and defender Anel Ahmedhodzic headed the hosts ahead.
The Blades then made it 2-0 shortly after half-time after a close-range finish from Max Lowe.
Sunderland responded well and pulled one back through Lynden Gooch but weren’t able to take anything from the game.
Our chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from the match:
13. Bailey Wright (sub) - 6
Largely defended and organised well in the closing stages. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
14. Trai Hume (sub) - 6
Defended well enough and allowed Gooch to get further forward. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
16. Jack Diamond (sub) - 6
Drove into some dangerous areas but little chance to produce an end product. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4 / 4