Paul Heckingbottom is on the verge of being dismissed as the manager of Sheffield United within the next 24 hours. Following a 5-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday, the team finds itself at the bottom of the Premier League with just five points from 14 games, having lost 11 matches. Heckingbottom, who became the permanent manager in November 2021 after guiding United to the top flight with a second-place Championship finish, criticized the club’s decision to sell key players in the summer. Chris Wilder, a former manager, is among the top contenders for the managerial position.
The Blades are currently four points away from safety, having won only once this season, with a goal difference of minus 28. Heckingbottom’s scheduled news conference was canceled on Monday, signaling the imminent change in management. Despite hints of improvement in form before the international break in November, United’s recent 5-0 loss to Burnley worsened their situation. The defeat led Heckingbottom to express his disappointment, stating that some players had let the team down.
United’s return to the Premier League has been challenging, marked by a series of defeats, including an 8-0 loss to Newcastle and a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal. The team’s struggles have prompted criticism of the transfer policy and ownership issues, with rumors of a potential takeover since Saudi Arabian owner Prince Abdullah announced plans to sell the club. The sale of key players in the summer, Iliman NDiaye and Sander Berge, has also raised questions about the club’s transfer strategy. The Blades are set to face second-placed Liverpool at Bramall Lane on Wednesday.
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