Latest Chris Wilder Updates as Sheffield United Set to Continue Their Bulgarian-based Player Search | OneFootball

The rumours circulating Sheffield United and the future of their current manager Chris Wilder’s position continue to increase.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Blades are weighing up a managerial change, with Wolves boss Gary O’Neil emerging as the leading candidate to replace Wilder.

This potential change comes amid wider structural changes at Bramall Lane. The club are actively exploring the appointment of a Director of Football, with Bristol City’s Brian Tinnion strongly tipped to take on the role. Tinnion has gained a reputation for his work in player development and recruitment with the Robins.

However, the move toward a new football hierarchy has not been universally welcomed. Chris Wilder, who returned to the club in late 2023 is believed to be wanting more control over transfer targets. His reported shortlist includes familiar faces such as versatile centre-back Jimmy Dunne, former Blades striker Oli McBurnie, who left the club in the summer of 2024, and Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, who played a part in Sunderland’s play-off final victory against the Blades last month.

Sheffield United Linked With Gary O’Neil And Ruben Selles Amid Latest Chris Wilder Update

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ English head coach Gary O’Neil gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

To add, United are already assessing potential targets for the dugout. Gary O’Neil, formerly in charge of Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers, is said to have strong admirers at Bramall Lane and is at the top of the shortlist should Wilder leave. O’Neil’s ability to work within modern football systems and his adaptability could suit the new ownership.

Ruben Selles, formerly of Southampton, Reading and Hull City, is also being considered as an alternative. Selles was the manager of the Tigers team that came to Bramall Lane in January and destroyed the Blades 3-0.

The Future is in Doubt As Blades Continue Their Obsession With Bulgarian-based Players

Another cause for concern is that the new owners are seemingly obsessed with signing players from the Bulgarian league. The Blades have already signed two players from Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv, and the club is currently on the verge of going bankrupt. Meanwhile, United are rumoured to be wanting a Bulgarian right-back this summer.

Wilder’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Sheffield United are at a major crossroads: whether they’ll continue with a manager who has deep ties to the club or one that will embrace a new structure led by a Director of Football.

Either way, this decision will shape United’s future over the next few years so it’s an absolute must that they get this decision spot on. If not, these new owners could unsettle both the current crop of players as well as the fan base, which would be a disastrous start to their first year of owning the football club.