In a fiercely competitive match at St Andrews University Sports complex, the Tannadice side came from behind to claim the three points that took them back to joint top of the table with Celtic: they had to work hard for their win against the robust visitors.
After dominating the early play during which Ryan Dow went close on three occasions, Stevie Campbell's side fell behind four minutes from the interval.
United keeper made an outstanding save to keep out a Keith Murray header but could do nothing to prevent David Love heading in the rebound.
Five minutes into the second half, Hibs had keeper Lewis Graham to thank for preserving that lead as he beat away Dale Hilson's angled drive.
And four minutes later the Tangerines went close again, Michael Lee heading over Gavin Stokes downward header.
But Hibs were far from out of things and Murray failed to capitalise after home keeper McCallum dropped the ball at his feet.
Three minutes later, McCallum more than atoned, touching Love's shot on to the crossbar when he seemed certain to score.
The visitors were left ruing that miss on 64 minutes when man of the match Stuart Armstrong played in Hilson who cleverly rolled the ball into the net from just inside the box.
Fifteen minutes from the end and again Hibs paid for their profligacy in front of goal, Murray missed a good chance at one end and United broke quickly and Armstrong steered a Dow cutback in for what proved to be the winner.
However, they had to withstand some late Hibs pressure with Fergus Bell firing over from a great position in the very last minute.
Dundee United: McCallum, Irvine (L Swanson 90), Mosson, Hill, Shaw, Stokes, Scott, Lee, Hilson, Armstrong, Dow. Subs not used: W Robertson, Murray, Elfverson, Thomson.