The Blades started off great but had to wait till 15 minutes in when Boulding went one-on-one with Estonian International keeper Mart Poom but Poom saved with his leg.
The Rams attacked and attacked but it was United who almost scored, Michael Brown's (23 minutes) shot seemed to go in back of net but it was a corner, however the in swinging corner was headed in by Aussie International Shaun Murphy.
Sadly Michael Boulding was injured after taking a early nock and was substituted by Peter Ndlovu.
Minutes later Derby won a string of corners but could not turn it in to the goal.
United were in full control of the game with key player being Carl Asaba and United nearly had a chance when Tonge went on a surging run but was tackled.
The Rams equalized on 36th minute when Izale McLeod slotted past Paddy Kenny after Lee Morris assisted to make it 1-1.
Both sides continued to try and find a winner but neither side could get a shot it.
Half-Time: Derby County 1-1 Sheffield United
John Gregory and Neil Warnock decided not to make any changes at half-time.
Derby won a corner within minutes but was cleared by the United defenders.
With 15 minutes gone Derby tested The Blades a couple of times with both shots from McLeod being blocked by Paddy Kenny.
Moments later Geogio Kinzladze let Boulder through and his pass found McLeod but against it was saved by Kenny.
On 67 minutes Brown came close to scoring but it was saved brilliantly by Mart Poom.
Around 70th minute United came close to scorning when Asaba's cross found Ndlovu but Nuddy could not jump high enough to head home, Poom tried to clear and Asaba just shot wide after he blocked.
On 75 min Deon Burton cam on for ex-blade Lee Morris for The Rams.
The Blades added on pressure as Asaba and Ndlovu continued to attack but could not get a shot in. And when a free-kick was awarded on 80 min when Asaba was fouled, United could not make anything out of it.
With 5 minutes left a in swinging corner by Derby County was met by the head of Deon Burton who put in back on goal.
In a act of desperation United brought on Jon-Paul McGovern and Laurens Ten Heuvel for Stuart McCall and Peter Ndlovu. Derby then took off the injured Izate McLeod for Steve Elliot.
United tried to get back into it but Derby were too strong and the game ended 2-1 to Derby.
Full-Time: Derby County 2-1 Sheffield United
I'm beginning to hate Deon Burton, it was his goal while on loan at Portsmouth that handed Pompey a draw at Bramall lane early on in season and now he has gone and got a winner.
Man of the Match: Even though United lost I thought that Paddy Kenny had a outstanding game and he will get the man of the match award.