McGoldrick put the Blades in front after 19 minutes after a series of attempted clearances and ricochets allowed the striker to shoot on the turn and wrong-foot goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. It was a messy goal from Brighton’s perspective.
Albion were poor in the first half but improved after the break. Jakub Moder had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, while Danny Welbeck and Neal Mauapy both missed chances.
Brighton have not scored in their last three matches but remain seven points above the drop with five to play.
Scroll down and click through to see who shone and who struggled for Graham Potter's team.

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Brighton could not find a way past a determined Sheffield United defence at Bramall Lane on Saturday night

. Robert Sanchez 6/10
No chance with David McGoldrick's goal. Good distribution

. Adam Webster 5/10
Poor first touch for United's opening goal and didn't look comfortable in possession throughout

. Lewis Dunk 6/10
Steady at the back and a threat from set pieces but couldn't inspire a fightback

. Joel Veltman 6/10
Played on the left of a defensive trio and one of many Albion players who had a chance to clear in the build up to the opening goal. Good in possession and looked to drive forward when he could

9. Leo Ttrossard 5/10
Frustrating match for the Belgian international. Could not find the gaps in a stubborn Sheffield United defence or deliver that final ball

10. Danny Welbeck 6/10
Worked hard and decent hold up play. His main chance arrived from a Jahanbakhsh cross that skidded off the turf and the striker just couldn't adjust his header in time

11. Neal Maupay 5/10
Had an early chance after Bissouma drove forward but his effort was well saved by Ramsdale and looked frustrated after that. Ramsdale denied him again after the break and then the Frenchman fired over from very close range from Jahanbakhsh's cross

12. Ali Jahanbakhsh 7/10
Very lively down the right when he came on and looked the most likely of all the Albion attackers to find a way through the Sheffield United defence. Fine cross to set up Welbeck's headed chance and also flashed a left footed effort over the bar