Blades boss Gary Speed made changes to the starting line-up which drew 3-3 with Burnley last Saturday; Stephen Jordan was introduced at left full-back for the injured Ritchie de Laet.
Jamie Ward, who returns from suspension, is included as a substitute whilst Andy Taylor and Jordan Slew are also included.
Hull City started with Kevin Kilbane in place of Rowan Vine in their only change in the starting line up which drew 1-1 at Leicester City the previous Saturday; new signing Vito Mannone is included on the substitute's bench.
City hasn't conceded at home this season in five Championship fixtures whilst the Blades were unbeaten against Hull in the previous thirteen league outings.
The home side dominated the early exchanges with United defending a number of corners within the first ten minutes which the visitors matched from strength to strength.
Ten minutes later the Tigers were handed an opportunity to take the lead but Robert Koren squandered his chance when he sent his half volley over the bar - this the only shot at goal from either side so far.
Hull were playing patient play, passing the ball around whilst the Blades one man up front formation limited any opportunities in attack.
Towards the end of the half Mark Yeates whipped in a corner which was met by Cresswell but former Blades keeper Matt Duke was able to trip around the post - Stephen Quinn then charged forward and saw his shot saved.
By half time the Blades had had just two shots on target whilst the hosts; Hull had five shots (one on target).
The home side almost hit United on the break immediately after half-time with youngster Mark Cullen almost capitalising on a clearance from Morgan which cannoned off the striker with the goal gapping. United brought on Ritchie de Laet for Stephen Jordan as their first substitution of the match.
On 52nd minute the Blades took the lead; Mark Yates who was an inspiration in the draw with Burnley at the weekend burst through the defence before firing past Duke for his second goal in a row - it was also the first goal conceded by the Tigers at the KC Stadium.
The visitors were in full control as they began to dominate the game; Daniel Bogdanovic flashed a shot wide whilst Johnny Ertl looked comfortable in midfield.
Nigel Pearson made a hat-trick of changes as they looked to chase the game; Mark Cullen, Caleb Folan and Richard Carcia all making way for Rowan Vine, John Bostock and Jay Simpson.
Tom Cairney flashed wide of the post in a heart in mouth moment before United made their second change; Jamie Ward replacing Daniel Bogdanovic. John Bostock curled a free-kick narrowly over the top from 35 yards out as City sees a sniff at goal.
Winger Yeates was a catalyst in the Blades success whilst confidence levels in the home side dropped. Both sides saw a player booked from each side; Chris Morgan and Anthony Gerrard both cautioned by referee Kevin Friend for unsporting behaviour.
With five minutes left in the clock the visitors almost doubled their lead when a corner found Stephen Quinn, his cross was met by Jamie Ward with Matt Duke denying the striker.
At the other end Paul McShane fired wide when it looked easy to find the target after de Laet was shaken off by his attacker.
Steve Simonsen had had a fairly easy game between the united sticks but was called upon towards the death when John Bostock tested the former Stoke stopper which he dramatically saved. Goal scorer Yeates was taken off the field with Matthew Lowton brought on to defend the lead.
In the end the Blades hung onto the win and travel to Doncaster Rovers next Saturday three points better off.