United had fought back to win at Preston in midweek, but there was no repeat at The Valley. The Blades answered Charlton’s early goal before a second-half winner ended their unbeaten run.
Kalvin Phillips, Liam Kitching and Jordan Ayew returned to United’s starting eleven. Charlton made four changes, bringing in Tyler Bindon, Alan Mwamba, Joe Rankin-Costello and Millenic Alli.
The Addicks had lost four in a row, yet they were quickest to settle. United took the kick-off, but Charlton carried the early threat and Alli put them ahead in the 12th minute. His shot from 20 yards found the inside of the left post of Michael Cooper’s goal.
Alli then fouled Romelle Donovan near the left touchline. After 25 minutes had elapsed, Phillips sent the free-kick towards goal, Will Mannion failed to deal with it cleanly, and Ayew reacted to head in from close range.
Mannion misjudged a Phillips corner in the 28th minute, but Kitching could not get enough on his header and the keeper gathered at the second attempt. Tyreece Campbell had the final clear opportunity of the half for the Addicks, controlling Billy Koumetio’s cross before shooting over.
Hamza Choudhury made way for Femi Seriki at half-time. Seriki was stretchered off only minutes later after contesting possession with Charlton’s Tyreece Campbell, and Mark McGuinness replaced him. Koumetio then blocked a Phillips effort with his chest.
Neither side created much as the game grew scrappy as the second half progressed. Alli cut in from the left and shot low into Cooper’s hands; Charlie Kelman fired wide soon afterwards. Harrison Burrows tried to volley Ayew’s cross, but Mannion gathered.
Turning point
Matt Godden came on for Kelman and, four minutes later, turned Alli’s cross in at the near post. Phillips almost replied with a free-kick, but Mannion pushed it behind. Deep into eight minutes of added time, the goalkeeper dived low to his left to deny Sydie Peck after he broke through. United kept pressing, but another equaliser never came.
Verdict
The fightback at Preston had shown United’s resilience. Against a Charlton side that had lost four straight, they could not do it again. Some late pressure was not enough to disguise a disappointing capitulation that ended an impressive unbeaten run.
Match details
Charlton Athletic
Mannion, Coventry (c), Tyreece Campbell (Skipp 87), Koumetio, Bell, Alli, McNamara, Kelman (Godden 75), Rankin-Costello (Carey 64), Mwamba (Knibbs 64), Bindon.
Unused: Okonkwo, Edwards, Mesik, Nkeng, Herbert.
Scorers: Alli 12, Godden 79.
Sheffield United
Cooper, Tanganga (c), Choudhury (Seriki 45, McGuinness 51), Ayew (Cannon 71), Donovan, Burrows, Kitching, Chong, Brereton Diaz (Tyrese Campbell 87), Phillips (Arblaster 87), Peck.
Unused: Davies, McCallum, Baptiste, Riedewald.
Scorer: Ayew 25.