Sheffield United Owners Reappoint Chris Wilder Less Than 100 Days After Sacking Him | OneFootball

Sheffield United have confirmed the return of Chris Wilder as manager, with the 57-year-old signing a contract until the summer of 2027 to begin a third spell in charge at Bramall Lane.

The decision comes in the wake of a humbling 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday night, a result that left fans furious and accelerated the board’s decision to act just weeks into the campaign, thus sacking Ruben Selles over the weekend who failed to earn a single point as United’s manager.

Blades Board Issue Statement After Wilder Reappointment

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, speaks to the media in the flash interview after the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg match between Bristol City and Sheffield United at Ashton Gate on May 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

In a statement via the club, the Blades’ board of directors explained the move:

“Following a difficult start to the season, the board felt it necessary to make a change in order to stabilise performances and strengthen our push for promotion. While the adoption of a different style of play was pursued with ambition, results have clearly not met expectations.

Chris Wilder returns with proven leadership and an unparalleled understanding of Sheffield United. We are confident he is the right person to restore momentum, unite the squad and supporters, and deliver the results necessary to achieve our objectives this season.”

Chris Wilder Set to Begin Third Spell as Sheffield United Manager

Wilder, a boyhood Blade and a legendary figure at the club, previously guided United to two promotions during his first tenure, taking them from League One to the Premier League. He returned during the 2024/25 Premier League season in a longshot attempt to keep the Blades up.

After suffering relegation, Wilder and the recruitment team helped rebuild the Sheffield United squad, making some shrewd signings as well as shipping out the deadwood. Despite beginning last season on -2 points, Wilder guided the Blades to a third-place 90 points finish where they set a Championship play-off semi-final record by defeating Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate. However, they would go on to lose the final in heartbreaking fashion. After dominating the first half and having a second goal ruled out, they would collapse in the final 15 minutes of the game and ultimately would lose 2-1 to Sunderland.

Many supporters felt that United could reset over the summer and go again in the 2025/26 campaign. But, COH Sports made a highly controversial decision to sack Wilder in June and replaced him with an unproven Championship coach in Ruben Selles. The American owners’ summer restructure of the club could not have gone any worse, but they have made a big call to bring back Wilder once again – less than 100 days since sacking him – in a bid to steady the ship.

His first test will come on Saturday afternoon at Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United host newly promoted Charlton Athletic.