5 European managers that Sheffield United's new owners may look at to replace Chris Wilder | OneFootball

Sheffield United could look to Europe for their next head coach if Chris Wilder leaves this summer.

Sheffield United are considering the future of Chris Wilder despite their excellent points return in the 2024/25 campaign.

Even though the season ended in heartbreak, as Sunderland beat the Blades in the play-off final, Wilder’s men collected 92 points across 46 games if you remove their two-point deduction.

Normally, that’s the sort of figure that would guarantee a top two finish, but Sheffield United missed out on automatic promotion due to Leeds United and Burnley hitting the 100-point mark.

Chris Wilder facing uncertain Sheffield United future

Therefore, talk of dismissing Wilder may seem harsh, but with the new board in place at Bramall Lane, there is a belief that they may look to go in a different direction.

That has already happened with transfers, as January deals for Jefferson Cacares and Christian Nwachukwu, and, more recently, Ehije Ukaki, have all been completed thanks to a data-led approach to recruitment with the use of AI.

So, if Wilder was sacked, it would be no surprise if the Blades took a similar approach with their next boss.

With that in mind, we look at FIVE European coaches who could be on their radar…

Radomir Dalovic

The Montenegrin coach has worked wonders in Croatia this season, winning the double with Rijeka, which ended a run of seven successive title victories for Dinamo Zagreb.

That was a huge feat for Dalovic, with the 42-year-old having only taken over in 2024. So, whilst he may lack years of experience, he is emerging as a top, young coach who has shown he can overachieve.

Another successful year with Rijeka could put Dalovic on the radar of bigger clubs, but Sheffield United may be in a position to entice him to Yorkshire, particularly as Dalovic knows he has the chance of reaching the Premier League with the Blades.

Stephan Helm

Currently in charge of Austria Vienna, Helm worked his way into management after starting out as an analyst, and he is looking like a very talented coach after doing well with St. Polten before joining the capital city club.

His side finished third in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, with Helm impressing due to his tactical adaptability.

The chance to test himself in England is sure to appeal to the 42-year-old, and Helm could be a smart choice for Sheffield United.

Vasco Matos

This is undoubtedly ambitious, as Santa Clara boss Matos had been close to joining Brazilian outfit Botafogo earlier this year.

However, if the Blades hierarchy can sell the project, they should appeal, because, as outlined above, all managers will want to be in the Premier League, and that’s the aim for Sheffield United.

Matos has been flourishing in Portugal, guiding Santa Clara to the second division title in 2023/24 before leading them to a fifth placed finish, and European football, this season. So, he is highly-rated, and he would be a real coup for the Blades.

Henrik Rydstrom

It’s a similar story with Malmö boss Rydstrom, who has won back-to-back titles in Sweden.

As well as producing a winning team, Rydstrom has done so in a fascinating way, as he ‘rejected positional play’ in an approach inspired by Brazilian coach Fernando Diniz.

That risky tactical setup has brought outstanding results, and it has made Malmö a very enjoyable team to watch. It might take Rydstrom time to implement his ideas in the Championship, but, if he could be convinced to join, he could lead a bold new project at Bramall Lane.

Michel Kniat

The 39-year-old hit the headlines this season after his Arminia Bielefeld side shocked German football to reach the cup final, beating four Bundesliga sides along the way, including Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final.

Whilst they came up short against Stuttgart in the final, losing 4-2, Kniat’s reputation was enhanced significantly after the run.

Furthermore, Kniat led the team to promotion, with Arminia Bielefeld returning to the second tier. He is sure to have plenty of admirers, but Kniat could be the modern, forward-thinking coach that the Blades' hierarchy are seeking.