Chris Wilder is poised to make a surprise return to Sheffield United for a third spell as manager after the club sacked Rubén Sellés following six consecutive defeats. Wilder, a lifelong Blades fan, was dismissed last season after losing the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Sellés was appointed in the summer after narrowly keeping Hull City up, but his tenure proved disastrous. He lost all six matches in charge, including five in the Championship, and his side failed to score in their last four games. The final straw came on Friday when United were thrashed 5-0 at Ipswich Town.
Sheffield United confirmed the change on Sunday, stating: 'After a disappointing start to the Championship campaign, Rubén Sellés has been relieved of his duties as manager. Following a review of recent performances, and taking into account the feelings of supporters, the timing of the change has been made to give the club the best possible opportunity to improve the current league position.' The board thanked Sellés for his hard work.
Wilder is expected to return with greater authority after previously clashing with the club's US ownership over a shift in transfer strategy. The COH Sports group consortium attempted to implement artificial intelligence-led recruitment, a move that has backfired significantly.
Sellés was an unpopular appointment among fans and struggled to win over the dressing room. United co-chair Steven Rosen was reportedly present at Portman Road to witness the latest humiliation. The club now turn to Wilder to revive their fortunes.
