Chris Wilder’s side showed intent from the beginning with Auston Trusty striding forward and hitting an early strike that was deflected wide.
The defender also embodied the Blades’ determination in a defensive sense, although he overstepped the mark and was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Keane Lewis-Potter.
Frank Onyeka was also booked for a foul on Vinícius Souza around the half-hour mark, although there was concern for the midfielder when the incident was being checked by VAR.
Despite all of the commitment and competitive play on show, it took 37 minutes for the first shot on target.
Even that was a tame Onyeka strike from range that was routinely collected by Wes Foderingham and the midfielder scuffed another attempt moments later.
That still brought extra life to proceedings and after William Osula hit the side netting and Neal Maupay’s effort was deflected wide by Jack Robinson, James McAtee provided the moment of quality the game had been crying out for in the first minute of added time.
The 21-year-old collected Gustavo Hamer’s pass and curled a beauty of a strike into the top corner for his first goal of the season.
Anis Slimane came on before the hour mark for his first Blades minutes in four games and linked up with Cameron Archer well, although he saw an instinctive effort and strike from range denied by Mark Flekken.
The Blades continued to have the better openings despite Brentford having periods on top, with a last-ditch Ben Mee intervention required to deny Archer when Andre Brooks squared the ball for the striker.
Yoane Wissa eventually got his opportunities but had a header and volley denied by Foderingham.
With the Bees building up the pressure late on, Mee saw an effort brilliantly blocked by Anel Ahmedhodžić, as Sheffield United held on to end a run of three straight defeats to secure their second win and first home clean sheet in the PL this term.
They also compounded the recent misery of Brentford, who have now lost four of their last five matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: James McAtee (Sheffield United)
