Next Sheffield United Manager Odds – Four Names Who Could Replace Ruben Selles
After the heartbreak of last season's Championship play-off final, Sheffield United turned to Ruben Selles to lead them into the new campaign.
But a stuttering start has left his position under mounting scrutiny, with growing speculation among fans and pundits that the Bramall Lane hierarchy may soon be forced into action.
Here at Free Bets, we've broken down the leading contenders who could be next in line to take charge at Sheffield United, including several high-profile and familiar names.
Next Sheffield United Manager Candidates
With Ruben Selles' future at Sheffield United already under question, speculation is mounting over who could be next in line for the Bramall Lane hot seat.
Below, we take a closer look at the leading contenders, with betting sites pricing up the favourites to succeed him should the club decide to make a change.
Sean Dyche
Sean Dyche would be a popular pick with the bookies if the top job at Bramall Lane became available.
The former Burnley boss kept his side punching above their weight in the Premier League, famously winning promotion to the top flight twice.
His no-nonsense, "old school" approach would bring steel to Bramall Lane, and Dyche has hinted he'd consider a top Championship project rather than another Premier League rescue job.
The Blades board may accept pragmatic football if it delivers results, and Dyche's credentials and gritty style would make him a solid option.
Chris Wilder
He couldn't, could he?
Chris Wilder's name will inevitably dominate any talk of the next Sheffield United manager.
A Blades legend who propelled his boyhood club from League One all the way to a 9th-place Premier League finish in 2020, Wilder has an unmatched bond with the fans.
His intimate knowledge of the club and proven ability to galvanise the squad make him an enticing prospect.
Many supporters would relish his romantic return, and the board knows he delivers promotion – he's done it twice with United.
However, it would be a massive call from the club hierarchy to reinstate someone whose contract they terminated in June.
Still, given Wilder's proven success at Bramall Lane and huge fan backing, bookmakers would rightly see him as a leading contender to make a sensational return.
Paul Heckingbottom
Paul Heckingbottom is an intriguing outside contender – an outsider with a proven track record at the club.
He's twice taken the Bramall Lane hotseat (once as interim, once full-time) and even guided United to promotion from the Championship in his last stint.
Add to that a prior promotion with Barnsley, and it's clear Heckingbottom knows how to get a team over the line.
He offers continuity and inside knowledge of the club's structure, which could appeal to a board that isn't afraid to turn back to familiar faces.
However, some fans remain sceptical – his Premier League campaign with United was dismal, and he is currently in the hot seat at Championship rivals Preston.
While not the flashiest option, Heckingbottom's steady hand and promotion pedigree would make him a credible, if less buzzy, contender for the job.
Gary O'Neil
Gary O'Neil would stand out as a strong candidate given his recent Premier League exploits and current availability.
In successive seasons, he guided AFC Bournemouth and Wolves to top-flight survival, demonstrating an ability to galvanise struggling squads under pressure.
Despite these achievements, O'Neil found himself unexpectedly out of work after a poor start with Wolves, meaning he is a free agent ready for a new challenge.
His track record of keeping teams in the Premier League – combined with a pragmatic, "football-focused" coaching style – makes him a realistic contender if a vacancy becomes available at Bramall Lane.
Reports indicate that Sheffield United's board are "known admirers" of O'Neil, suggesting the hierarchy would warmly receive him.
Given that he was arguably unfortunate to be dismissed by both Bournemouth and Wolves, many observers believe Sheffield United could hand O'Neil another opportunity in management if they decide to sack Ruben Selles.
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