Sheffield United are expected to sack manager Chris Wilder following their failure to earn a place in the Premier League, according to various reports.
Despite racking up 90 points, the Blades missed out on an automatic promotion spot. Instead, they finished 10 points behind champions Leeds United and runners-up Burnley, having to settle for a place in the play-offs.
Wilder’s team navigated a way throught the semi-final in comfortable fashion, recording successive 3-0 victories over Bristol City. This led them to Wembley Stadium to face fourth-placed Sunderland in a winner-takes-all clash.
United dominated the first half and deserved their 1-0 lead at the break, courtesy of a Tyrese Campbell goal. However, they failed to capitalise in the second period and allowed the Black Cats to equalise 14 minutes from time through Eliezer Mayenda. Heartbreak followed when Tommy Watson secured the victory for the Wearsiders in the fifth minute of added time.
Wilder Future In Jeopardy
Reports emerged at the end of last month claiming owners COH Sports were considering sacking Wilder following his failure to attain promotion. It now appears as if his second spell at Bramall Lane is coming to an end, with a decision expected later today.
Independent journalist Miguel Delaney claimed earlier this morning that the 57-year-old is in the firing line. This has now been backed up by John Percy, who states he could be shown the exit door ‘later today’.
🚨 Wilder could be sacked later today by #SUFC’s new owners COH Sports, just under three weeks since the Championship play-off final defeat by Sunderland at Wembley
Read the full story from @JPercyTelegraph ⬇️https://t.co/UDkZ2c86sj pic.twitter.com/aSqaUPv6PU
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 12, 2025
Few would deny that Sheffield United had a decent season, but failure to reach the Premier League has cost the club around £200 million. This could also see a number of key stars depart this summer, including the likes of Gustavo Hamer and Vini Souza.
Writer’s View
There isn’t many teams that would sack a manager following a third-placed finish and 90 points, so this decision could be viewed as harsh. However, COH Sports are likely to have a plan, hence why it has taken so long to reach this conclusion. It’s been almost three weeks since the play-off final defeat so it’s safe to assume that a number of discussions have taken place. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they already had held conversations with potential successors.
