Top 5 Possible Chris Wilder Replacement as Next Sheffield United Manager

The speculation is now heating up on the future of the Sheffield United manager position after they failed to get promoted to the 2025/26 Premier League. Who could become the next Sheffield United manager? The Blades lost in the 2025 EFL Championship playoff final to Sunderland at Wembley, and it seems that the brunt of the blame is being placed on manager Chris Wilder. Despite guiding them to a third-place finish in the Championship last season, the English gaffer has been sacked by the club. This is the the second time he's been fired from the role after his initial stint from 2016-2021.

Why Sheffield United Sacked Chris Wilder?

Sheffield United's decision to sack Chris Wilder wasn't entirely surprising, as the club's new American owners were thinking about ending Wilder's tenure at the club. The Englishman is being blamed for their failure to move up to the Premier League next season. The Blades looked to be in a comfortable position to achieve Premier League promotion in the second half of the 2024/25 season, but some poor results in the final months caused them to miss out on a top-2 finish.

Sheffield United reached the Championship playoff final, but were frustrated by Sunderland. They lost to a 95th-minute winning goal from the Black Cats. The Blades also exited the FA Cup in the third round and the Carabao Cup in the second round, resulting in a drab cup competition outing. The owners are looking for someone with fresh ideas to take the club forward and help them win the 2025/26 EFL Championship.

Top 5 Managers In Race For Chris Wilder Replacement

Top 5 Contenders for Next Sheffield United Manager Position:

With Chris Wilder leaving after a two-year stint with the club, Sheffield will look forward to appointing someone new in his place. Who is the Chris Wilder Replacement? Here we look at five possible options for the job, based on recent reports:

5. Sean Dyche

The ex-Burnley boss is an expert on promoting clubs to the Premier League and is a bookmaker's favorite for the role. He helped the Clarets win the 2015-16 Championship and also get promoted at the end of the 2013-14 season. Dyche is known for promoting ‘long-ball tactics’ where his side looks to harass teams with crosses and bully them physically for goals. He's a no-nonsense manager with a direct, physical style that can help the Blades grind their way to promotion.

4. Kjetil Knutsen

Knutsen is currently the Bodo/Glimt manager and helped them reach the UEFA Europa League semi-final in the 2024/25 season. He's helped them win the Eliteserien title four times, and his exciting 4-3-3 attacking style could help Sheffield play some thrilling attacking football. Knutsen, however, is yet to be tested in English football and looks comfortable in Norway. He remains a potential contender, as per Talksport.

3. Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper remains an available manager since being sacked by Leicester City in 2024. He helped Nottingham Forest get promoted to the Premier League in 2022 and knows what it takes to secure promotion for his side. He knows how to connect with and get the best out of English players, having helped the England U17 team win the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup title. Cooper is being linked to the role by some bookmakers, and his pragmatic yet entertaining system could bring rewards for the Blades.

2. Ruben Selles

Selles played a big role in saving Hull City from relegation to League One, helping them to a 21st-place finish and saving them based on goal difference. The Spaniard loves shaping his side to maintain a stubborn defensive shape and harass teams on counter-attacks, which can benefit the Blades. He was sacked by the Tigers soon after the season ended and is now a major contender for the Sheffield United role, as per Talksport reporter Alex Crook.

1. Gary O'Neil

The 42-year-old has already achieved some admirable things in his young managerial career, helping save Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers from relegation in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, respectively. O'Neil prefers a more risky, possession-based style that relies on the technical qualities of his players, but his ability to improve players and make his team exciting to watch can benefit Sheffield. O'Neil could transform the Blades to be more entertaining to watch with a fluid, passing style and fast-paced attacking transitions. He is being rumored as one of the front-runners to replace Wilder.