Sheffield United

Chris Wilder is manager of Sheffield United again.

What do you think about his appointment? Tell us here

It is a busy midweek of Premier League action and BBC Radio 5 Live has got you covered.

Here is the list of commentaries for the 10 games being played on Tuesday through to Thursday, with coverage available on 5 Live, Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website (all times GMT):

Tuesday, 5 December

• Wolves v Burnley (19:30) - Conor McNamara and Leon Osman

• Luton v Arsenal (20:15) - Ali Bruce-Ball and Matt Upson

Wednesday, 6 December

• Aston Villa v Manchester City (20:15) - John Murray and Pat Nevin

• Manchester United v Chelsea (20:15) - Lee Blakeman and Paul Robinson

• Sheffield United v Liverpool (19:30) - Tom Gayle and Alex Bruce

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth (19:30) - Flo Pollock and Matt Jarvis

• Brighton v Brentford (19:30) - Paul Scott and Francis Benali

• Fulham v Nottingham Forest (19:30) - Sheridan Robins and Stephen Kelly

Thursday, 7 December

• Everton v Newcastle (19:30) - Ali Bruce-Ball and James McFadden

• Tottenham v West Ham (20:15) - Jonathan Pearce and Michael Brown

• Sheffield United have lost their past five Premier League games against Liverpool, having been unbeaten in four against them in the division before this (W2 D2).

• Liverpool are winless in their past four Premier League away games against promoted sides (D2 L2). They most recently had a longer such run in the top flight between November 1969 and December 1973 (9 games).

• Sheffield United won four of their last five midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League games in their last top-flight campaign in 2020-21, with those accounting for 57% of their total league wins that season (4/7).

• Liverpool have conceded the first goal in each of their past six Premier League away games; only once have they had a longer such run in the competition, doing so in seven in a row between September and December 1993.

• Sheffield United’s 39 goals conceded this season is the second most 14 games into a Premier League campaign in history, after Barnsley’s 40 in 1997-98. Barnsley kept a clean sheet in their next game that term (against Liverpool), though 40 goals against is also the most 15 games into a Premier League season.

• Sheffield United have had fewer shots than any other Premier League side this season (121), while they have also faced more attempts (266) and attempts on target (107) than anyone else.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Wilder said he is "more enthusiastic and more determined then ever" and that Sheffield United are getting the best version of him following his return as manager.

Wilder does not believe in the narrative that managers should never go back to a former club and is embracing the challenge ahead.

"I'm going to give it my all," he said. "I'm more enthusiastic and more determined than I have ever been in my life and I think Sheffield United are getting me at my best.

"You have to feel the failure and pain to make you better and I certainly have. I'm not arrogant enough to know there is a hell of a lot of work to be put in and we have to earn the trust of the players and supporters back. This is a huge challenge, I am rubbing my hands together."

Wilder said his relationship with club owner Prince Abdullah has been repaired and also highlighted how important Blades fans are going to be in the fight for survival.

"A lot of things go off without people knowing what's gone off," he said. "Shortly after I left, I received messages from Prince Abdullah wishing me [well] and even as a reference for future jobs [such as at Fenerbahce]. That shows what Prince Abdullah has been about.

"We've created some great memories [here]. We know there's an opportunity. We have the tags of underdogs. We know the narrative. We pick up papers and read stuff. Only we can change that narrative. We are going to try to do it for us and this football club.

"I think the Covid season affected us more than any other club. The fans were turning losses into draws and draws into wins."

Chris Wilder has been speaking to the media in his first news conference since being reappointed as Sheffield United manager.

Here are the key headlines before Wednesday's game against Liverpool:

• On how it feels returning to the club, Wilder said: "[It was] a bit surreal getting back into work this morning and being at a place I love and a special place for me."

• He said his relationship with United owner Prince Abdullah has been repaired over time: "Regardless of what other people will feel and think, he feels I am the best man to do the job and I am delighted he thinks that."

• On the task ahead, he said: "It's not a great situation, everybody knows that. We are up against it. Everybody thinks we are done and dusted. We have always had that underdog tag and that mentality."

• Wilder said it is key that the players "reignite supporters" to improve the current "disconnect".

• On a tricky first game against in-form Liverpool: "We are under no illusions that its’s an incredible first game to be involved in, but we have the lift of 33,000 at Bramall Lane under the lights."

• He added: "We need a huge performance. If we do that, we can be competitive and we need to be more competitive than what we have been."

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Sheffield United chief executive Stephen Bettis believes Chris Wilder is the "best possible option" to take the club forward after he was appointed for a second spell in charge of the Blades, succeeding Paul Heckingbottom.

Bettis said: "Following discussions, the board feel that Chris is the best possible option to give the Blades a change in fortune at this time and everyone at the club is delighted to welcome him back.

"His love for United and desire to improve the current situation is undeniable, added to the fact that he knows the majority of the squad and the club's DNA, which will help him hit the ground running."

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Wilder says returning to manage Sheffield United is "an opportunity which I just couldn't turn down".

Blades owner Prince Abdullah confirmed the 56-year-old's return to Bramall Lane after Paul Heckingbottom was sacked.

Speaking about his second spell at the club, Wilder said: "Quite simply it was an opportunity which I just couldn't turn down. Just like in 2016, when this club comes calling, it is not something you pass up.

"This is Sheffield United, it is my team and I am thrilled to be back. We find ourselves in a difficult position, I understand that, but I think I can make a difference.

"When I received the call from Stephen [Bettis] asking if I would consider coming back to try and help, I didn't have to think about it. People know what this club means to me, and the task now is to try and provide a boost to improve our current situation.

"My relationship with Prince Abdullah and the board was repaired a long time ago. After some time passed following my initial departure, we spoke, met in person and there was an amicable ending. Now, coming back as manager, to know there is a united front again is crucial as we look to work together to improve the club's position in the Premier League."

Paul Heckingbottom has left his position as manager of Sheffield United, the Premier League club has confirmed.

Coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left.

Chief executive Stephen Bettis said: "On behalf of the board of directors, I'd like to thank Paul for all of his efforts at Sheffield United, firstly as Under-23s manager before stepping up to take control of first-team duties.

"His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I'm sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.

"However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season."

United hope to have a new manager in place before they face Liverpool on Wednesday.

Listen to debate on the Blades on Monday Night Club

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Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom and appointed former manager Chris Wilder as his replacement, the club’s owner Prince Abdullah has confirmed.

The Blades are bottom of the Premier League with five points after losing 11 of their opening 14 games.

Speaking to TalkSport, external, Prince Abdullah said Wilder was “the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances”.

Heckingbottom, appointed as Wilder's successor on a permanent basis in November 2021, guided the club back to the top flight with a second-place Championship finish last season.

After the Blades lost 5-0 at fellow strugglers Burnley, who moved off the bottom of the table with their victory on Saturday, the 46-year-old said the club had been "let down" by some players.

“Chris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn’t think it’s easy, but he thinks it’s still possible,” Prince Abdullah said.

“When you look at the table it's a very special year, a very weird year when it comes to the standings, so it’s still early, the season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals.”

• Visit all BBC Sport's Sheffield United content

United are four points from safety, have won only once this season and have a goal difference of minus 28.

The Blades host second-placed Liverpool at Bramall Lane on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), although Prince Abdullah did not confirm whether Wilder would be in the dugout.

After the Burnley game Heckingbottom criticised the club for making "financial rather than football decisions" by selling key players in the summer.

The club sold two of last season's star players shortly before this season as Iliman NDiaye joined Marseille and Sander Berge moved to Burnley.

Prince Abdullah said he had "mixed emotions" about letting Heckingbottom go.

"I really have a lot of respect for Paul and everything he did for the club, he’s a very classy guy," he added.

“I’ve been at the club for five years and we changed one manager and that was Slav [Slavisa Jokanovic], so we believe in sticking with the manager and supporting him.

"But I felt like after the last few games it was a necessary decision and the replacement has done great things for the clubs and knows the club, so I feel good about the decision in one way but I really have a tremendous respect for Paul."

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Wilder would be brought in to try to "galvanise" the Sheffield United team, says BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton.

Reports emerged on Monday that Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom is set to be sacked and former manager Wilder, who managed the club for five years between 2016 and 2021, would be in line to replace him.

"Chris Wilder would make sure that this team is clawing and fighting and scratching to get results," Staton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"The hope will be that he can galvanise the team and keep them up. Whether that's realistic, I don't know. I've seen nothing from Sheffield United so far to make me think they are going to be in the Premier League this season.

"But if they do go down, the job that Chris Wilder did at Sheffield United the last time he was in charge was about as miraculous job as you will find.

"He took Sheffield United over as a team that were going nowhere in League One and within three years they were a Premier League team competing for Europe. So if there's anybody who could get them back up if they do go down, you wouldn't bet against it being Chris Wilder."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

After reports emerged on Monday that Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is set to lose his job following their 5-0 loss to Burnley on Saturday, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club panel has been discussing whether his expected departure is harsh.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

West Ham, Burnley and Sheffield United are set to compete for Derby's 22-year-old English defender Eiran Cashin. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Ben Meakin, BladesPod, external

It looks like the end of the road for Paul Heckingbottom, with Chris Wilder widely believed to become his replacement as well as his predecessor. I will leave my thoughts on Wilder for another time – honestly, it’s complicated – as I want to give Heckingbottom his dues if this is indeed how it ends.

It was unfathomable that Heckingbottom would continue as manager after a disastrous week in which we lost two games against relegation rivals by an aggregate score of 8-1, which, if anything, somewhat flattered us. But that should not sour the previous season and a half of Heckingbottom – he should leave with his dignity intact and plenty of respect from our fans.

He took over with the squad floundering in 16th place in the Championship, following on from a horrendous Premier League season and a slide that previous manager Slavisa Jokanovic was unable to halt.

Heckingbottom, though, had an immediate effect – and the same set of players who had looked completely shot under Jokanovic (and Wilder, it is fair to say) ended the season in the play-off semi-finals and were a penalty shootout away from Wembley.

The next season we finished second with 91 points – more than league-winners Fulham had accrued the previous year – and reached the FA Cup semi-final, all against a background of a transfer embargo, substandard training facilities, unpaid suppliers and an owner actively trying to sell.

As our former under-23s boss, he gave youth a chance with scores of teenage Blades making their debuts during his time. And it should not be overlooked that it was under Heckingbottom’s stewardship that Iliman Ndiaye transformed from academy product to Champions League player in the space of 18 months.

I was not remotely enamoured by Heckingbottom’s appointment in November 2021 – it felt like a cheap, desperate option that would merely signal the next bend in our post-Wilder downward spiral.

Instead, he oversaw a return to the Premier League and the much-needed funds that it brings.

A victim of his own success, he’s handled himself with dignity throughout. I cannot argue that he has looked out of his depth this season, but he is certainly responsible for United getting into this position in the first place.

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We asked for your opinion as Paul Heckingbottom seems set to be the first managerial casualty of the season.

Here are your thoughts:

Harry: It is very unfair if Heckingbottom is sacked - he achieved promotion last season then had to take a weakened side into a higher league. How on earth was he ever going to succeed? So last season's success is now rendered worthless! Will a new manager be given money to spend when Heckingbottom wasn't allowed that luxury? Show loyalty please.

Andy: Hecky has been treated badly by the owners who seem to lack ambition. That said the players must shoulder responsibility for a lack of grit and determination. Blades fans demand and expect much more. Maybe Chris Wilder will put some much-needed fight back into this team.

Dave: I feel incredibly sorry for Hecky. It was only a few months ago we were singing his praises when he got us promoted under difficult circumstances. He also gave us some great memories with the run to the FA Cup semi final. He has been set up to fail by the owner and board. The players also need to take a good look at themselves as well.

John: Yes. Unfortunately Hecky has to go but please don’t even think about Wilder or Neil Warnock. That’s a retrograde step and will not solve the short or long term problems of the club. From the chairman down, and including certain players, we need to start again ready for next year.

Peter: It’s not Heckingbottom - he was just the one who was holding the parcel when the music stopped. Even Pep couldn’t have succeeded under the present ownership and the next manager is doomed to failure before he starts. Only Blades fans can believe that “lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for”. So, start from scratch with Nick Montgomery.

We want to hear your thoughts on Sheffield United's chances of avoiding relegation this season.

Choose the option that best suits how you feel

Click here to tell us what you think - and suggest who could replace him at Bramall Lane

The BBC Radio Sheffield team have put out an emergency Blades Heaven podcast episode given the expected managerial change at Bramall Lane.

Rob Staton explains defeats in games where the Blades were expected to be competitive have changed the dynamic and led to Paul Heckingbottom's exit.

Listen to Blades Heaven in full here

This is BBC Sport's dedicated Sheffield United page. On the app? Hit the bell icon to get news sent to you. Signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' to save the page.

Andy Giddings, BBC Radio Sheffield Sport

The departure pending of Paul Heckingbottom is harsh. I think Heckingbottom and the staff and players have done as super job in trying circumstances over the past 12 or 18 months. That should be remembered fondly.

Some of the comments over the weekend are wilfully disrespectful and frankly stupid.

Chris Wilder coming in, I appreciate some fans have reticence because of some things in their mind they have from before. My own personal opinion is I think it's an excellent appointment.

When Wilder came in last time he was like a whirling dervish. His manner if you like lifted everybody. In much the same way, that's kind of what they need now. I don't think, should Heckingbottom want a job in football soon that he will need to wait long to get one.

His departure is harsh. Chris back is good.

Listen to Blades Heaven from BBC Radio Sheffield here

This is BBC Sport's dedicated Sheffield United page. On the app? Hit the bell icon to get news sent to you. Signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' to save the page.

Simon Stone, BBC Sport

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is set to become the first Premier League managerial casualty of the season within the next 24 hours.

Heckingbottom’s side were hammered 5-0 by relegation rivals Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, since when there has been huge speculation over his future.

It is thought the Blades hierarchy have resolved to make a change, with former boss Chris Wilder amongst the leading contenders to take over.

What do you think Blades fans? Tell us here

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Sheffield United fell to their 11th defeat of the season against fellow relegation battlers Burnley, with striker Oli McBurnie picking up a red card along the way.

Paul Heckingbottom's side are bottom of the Premier League table having won just one of their 14 games so far, conceding a league-high 39 goals.

Newcastle United record goalscorer Alan Shearer has been analysing Sheffield United's performance on Match of the Day: "They were a disgrace. From the very first minute, we saw that they lost three tackles within three or four seconds. That sort of summed them up.

"Also, like the manager said, too many players let them down, in particular when they got that red card."

Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy added: "It was a ridiculous red card really because the first yellow card he gets away with one and it could easily be a red card. I think Dara O'Shea does him a favour by not rolling all over the pitch. He took it like a man, if you like, but McBurnie could have been sent off there.

"But then, after getting that lucky break, he decides to lead with his arm again. I mean you are just asking for trouble. When your side is 2-0 down, you need everyone to pull together and, as the manager said, some players have played their way out."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer

We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's game between Burnley and Sheffield United.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

Miller H: Burnley have almost got points but this win shows how they can get out of the drop zone. Its a real booster for the team and the manager. Football is a game of confidence and Burnley now have it.

Bob: All the chatter can stop now. Keep the faith Burnley fans.

Peter: What a relief! At last we've found our shooting boots and converted good football into goals. Yes, Sheffield United gave us lots of "help" but we were relentless. Great performance - onwards and upwards!

Clarky: Brilliant. I'm buzzing my head off.. now that's what we are about .. that's what we do when we become a unit that runs smoothly and most of all we stick together. That is claret and blue right there. I'm proud to be a Claret. Well done Vincent Kompany.

Peter Dawson: Good overall performance against a very poor Sheffield United. Nice to see Koleosho get a goal his performances have warranted.

Sheffield United fans

David: For the first time in years , I sense we are witnessing the start of a reversal of Sheffield dominance. Wednesday have found a manager who is giving them a winning mentality. In Heckingbottom , we have a loser.

Eric: No passion, no guts, players need to have a long good look at themselves. Probably just cost Heckingbottom his job. Please no Wilder or Warnock.

Simon: Blades have a Championship squad at best. So what’s the point in sacking Heckingbottom? He is a decent manager. Keep him for next season when he should come into his own again.

Brian: Losing heavily again to a side at the bottom end of the league confirms what we already know. The Blades are simply not good enough to be in the Premier League and will surely be relegated. The level of indiscipline, particularly McBurnie is an added problem that must be addressed by Heckingbottom, if he’s still around next week at this time.

Neil: The season is panning out just as I expected. The owner has brought this all on. Will be interesting to see how he intends to improve things if he doesn't get the sale of the club he wants. Totally selfish of him. He is destroying all the great work that was developing through Wilder and Heckingbottom!