Gaxha blasted home eight minutes before the break at Whitley Park to settle the Premier League Cup clash and end the Magpies' hopes of progressing from Group E.

The Blades, who saw Louie Marsh's early strike disallowed for offside, could count themselves fortunate to have left Tyneside with all three points, as Isaac Westendorf and Josh Scott went close for the hosts.

But the closest they came to a leveller was a Charlie Wiggett header in the closing seconds, which goalkeeper Callum Hiddleston did well to repel at the death as United's involvement in the competition came to an abrupt end.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Jude Smith, Harry Barclay, Jordan Hackett, Nathan Carlyon, Charlie Wiggett, Niall Brookwell, Josh Scott, Jamie Miley (Michael Ndiweni 75), Isaac Westendorf (Santiago Munoz 65), James Huntley, Amadou Diallo (Kyle Crossley 65).

Subs not used: Max Thompson, Josh Stewart.