Albion couldn’t overcome Chris Wilder’s resolute and regimented Sheffield United.
Ollie McBurnie’s first-half goal which deflected in off the post was enough to see off Albion
John Eagan put United ahead after 11 minutes but his effort was ruled out by VAR for handball.
Neal Maupay looked to have equalised after Dean Henderson had saved both Aaron Mooy’s and Martin Montoya’s effort but VAR ruled it out again.
In the second half Jake O’Connell latched on to a spill by Maty Ryan but his effort was also ruled out by VAR for offside.
Glenn Murray and Aaron Connolly came on at the start of the second half for the ineffective Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard.
Yves Bissouma replaced Montoya a few minutes later but despite three up front Albion couldn’t break down their opponents.
The Seagulls go to Tottenham in the Premier League on Boxing Day.