Sheffield United are considering a stunning U-turn after it was revealed that they had approached former manager Chris Wilder about a potential return.
The 57-year-old’s second stint in the dugout at Bramall Lane came to an end in June after the Blades failed to secure an instant return to the Premier League. He took over in December 2023 with the club already looking condemned to relegation from the top tier, and had to contend with a two-point deduction upon their return to the Championship.
In one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory, United finished third behind Leeds United and Burnley, who both hit 100 points. Wilder’s team finished 10 points adrift of the top two and entered the play-offs as the favourites to take that third promotion spot.
They breezed past Bristol City in the semi final but fell to two late goals against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium. As a result, Wilder was shown the exit door, much to the dismay of the supporters.
Selles On Borrowed Time
The Yorkshire-based club swiftly appointed Ruben Selles following his exit from Hull City. Despite optimism, the Spaniard has overseen the worst possible start, losing all five of their opening Championship fixtures.
The ex-Reading boss appears to be on borrowed time following last night’s 5-0 humiliation against Ipswich Town, and it appears as if the club are ready to accept their mistake by bringing back Wilder. According to The Star, owners COH Group have made an approach to their former manager in a stunning attempt to salvage their season.
Just a reminder, Chris Wilder achieved 90 points last season (92 if you exclude the points deduction). Fast forward three months, they’re on zero after five games…#twitterblades https://t.co/jtT6CmRCLK
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) September 12, 2025
Speaking after last night’s capitulation, Selles insisted he still has the support of the board:
“If you don’t win football matches your position is going to be discussed, not only for me but for every coach in the world. We have to keep working hard until the end.
“The owners have been supporting me until today. I haven’t spoken to them after the game. I’m not worried about that, I’m just worried about how we can do things better. I’m the first one to give pressure to myself.
“I believe in myself. I will always be in front of anything that has my name.
“We are not going to solve anything tonight but we have to analyse. The good thing about football is you have another game in seven days and it’s another opportunity.”
Writer’s View
It appears increasingly unlikely that Ruben Selles will be in charge for next week’s visit of Charlton Athletic, but to sound out Chris Wilder is a stunning turn of events. There are few who genuinely believe it was the right decision to part company with the former Middlesbrough boss in the summer and it now appears as if the owners are ready to accept they made a glaring error.
