Reports State Sheffield United Set to Announce Sacking of Chris Wilder in Coming Days as One Candidate Ruled Out | OneFootball

Sheffield United are set to part ways with manager Chris Wilder, with his departure from Bramall Lane expected to be confirmed within days, according to multiple reports.

Discussions between the board and Wilder’s camp earlier this week appear to have set the wheels in motion for his exit, as reported by The Star.

Sheffield United to Sack Chris Wilder

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Blackburn Rovers FC at Bramall Lane on May 3, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

The 57-year-old returned to the Blades in December 2023 in an attempt to rescue a faltering Premier League campaign, but despite glimpses of improvement, the club ultimately suffered relegation. Wilder faced one of the most difficult summer windows of his career in the 2024/25 season.

United had a number of players out of contract, and the club had just suffered one of the most embarrassing relegations in recent seasons. Nevertheless, Wilder changed the entire complexion of the squad, bringing in some excellent young players for the starting eleven such as Harrison Burrows and Michael Cooper, as well as more experienced Championship campaigners in Callum O’Hare and Tyrese Campbell, both as free transfers.

For over half a decade, Sheffield United had a squad that really only suited one system since Wilder’s first stint in charge: a wing-back system. However, Wilder changed this last summer, recruiting to suit more of a 4-2-3-1 shape. But, the biggest change of them all was how he changed the mentality of the squad after a poor campaign in the Premier League. He instilled a winning mentality back into the football club.

On top of this, the Blades had to deal with a minus two-point start, so the pressure to get positive results early on in the season was huge, as they didn’t want to fall even further behind.

After a solid season results wise, Wilder led United to a historic Championship play-off semi-final aggregate score against Bristol City; no team had ever recorded a six-goal winning margin in a Championship play-off semi-final tie. This meant nothing in the grand scheme of things because the Blades suffered more heartbreak at Wembley Stadium losing 2-1 to Sunderland after leading for the majority of the game.

The Blades Already Working on Wilder’s Successor

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Ipswich Town FC at Molineux on December 14, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Sources close to the club suggest a plan is already in place to announce Wilder’s departure, with final negotiations well underway regarding the payout. Sheffield United are understood to be close to appointing a successor, with details being finalised on this side of things.

Contrary to speculation, it is not expected to be Wolves boss Gary O’Neil who steps into the Bramall Lane dugout. BBC Radio Sheffield’s Andy Giddings and Sky Sports have both ruled O’Neil out of the running, despite social media discussions linking him with the role.

Instead, former Southampton boss Ruben Selles has emerged as a potential leading contender. The Spaniard, who has previously managed Southampton, Reading, and Hull City, has been repeatedly linked with the Blades on social media since whispers of Wilder’s potential dismissal first surfaced. Selles is admired for his tactical adaptability and his more modern style of management – essentially being a head coach rather than a traditional manager.

This could appeal to Sheffield United as they look to progress into a more modern approach where they will potentially have roles such as a director of football in place this summer, along with a modern approach to signing players using a heavily data-driven recruitment strategy.

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener on the Other Side

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. This weekend’s EFL play-off matches at Wembley will all kick-off one minute late, to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to learn CPR. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The decision to replace Wilder has created plenty of debate among the fan base, with some fans thinking it’s a terrible decision, whilst others believing the time is right to move on and get someone with fresher ideas that could progress the football club.

Whilst Wilder had a very good season, firstly leading a huge rebuild 12 months ago and the change of mentality in the squad, some fans believe that despite finishing third, United massively underperformed with the set of players they had for a Championship team, hence their reasoning for wanting a change in management.

In reality, it is quite harsh on paper, but, paper also shows that the Blades finished below Sheffield Wednesday in terms of good chances created. And, in terms of expected metrics, United should’ve finished on 15 points fewer than they actually achieved. This ultimately suggests that despite having a very good set of players to choose from and one of the highest wage bills in the Championship, they overperformed their points tally. Perhaps this is what COH Sports are looking at, hence the change in direction regarding the managerial position.