Half time at Bramall Lane and Latics lead 1-0 courtesy of Jonson Clarke-Harris' 5th minute header.
Manager Lee Johnson shuffled the pack as injury hit Latics were forced into changes. James Tarkowski moving into a midfield role and Adam Rooney playing on the right hand side of a forward 3, with Jonson Clarke-Harris in the centre and Mike Petrasso on the left. Kusunga and Lanzoni forming the central defensive pairing and Grounds reverting to left back.
Latics took the lead within 5 minutes with their first attack of the game. Korey Smith won possession 35 yards out, his pass fed Adam Rooney on the right hand side, who composed himself and produced an inch perfect cross to find the head of the on rushing Jonson Clarke-Harris, who's header gave Blades keeper George Long no chance.
Former Latics loanee Aidy White was forced off with an injury after only 10 minutes for the hosts, Jamie Murphy taking his place.
Only a linesman's flag denied Clarke Harris a second on 20 minutes, Korey Smith unleashed a 25 yard pile driver that Long could only parry into the path of the returning frontman, however his superb finish was adjudged to be offside.
Ex-Latics Chris Porter was foiled by a superb covering challenge from Matteo Lanzoni after a through ball by Jose Baxter, Lanzoni chasing Porter down and putting a tackle in as he was about to shoot. Porter was again found by a right wing cross but his weak header was bravely cleared by Connor Brown.
Latics have been impressive in the first half as the home fans boo's rang out at the half-time whistle, however with still 45 minutes to go Latics have work to do to secure the three points.
Half-time: Sheffield United 0, Latics 1.