Sheffield United Nears Chris Wilder Return After Poor Season Start

Sheffield United are considering a sensational return of Chris Wilder as manager following a disastrous start to the 2025/26 Championship season under Ruben Selles, who has overseen six consecutive defeats including a 5-0 thrashing by Ipswich Town. The club, currently bottom of the Championship and with only one goal scored in five games, is reportedly running out of patience with Selles, and the owners have sounded out Wilder about a potential third spell at Bramall Lane. Wilder, who led the club from League One to a ninth-place Premier League finish and was dismissed just three months ago after losing the play-off final, remains a popular figure linked closely to Sheffield United's identity. There is internal discussion about the role Wilder might take, possibly including a technical director position, but it is expected he would seek assurances of managerial freedom if reappointed. The club's ownership, now an American consortium, faces criticism for their recruitment strategy and the decision to replace Wilder with Selles, which has backfired amid poor results and fan unrest. Despite the turmoil, the parting between Wilder and the club was reportedly amicable, and his readiness to return signals a potential dramatic shift in Sheffield United's approach to salvage their season.