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Chris Wilder needs to fix a plethora of problems at Sheffield United after returning as manager, with one major issue concerning the Blades’ prized asset.
After Ruben Selles’ barren start to life as Blades boss, Sheffield United reappointed Chris Wilder to replace the man who succeeded him only three months ago.
Given that the Blades lost six consecutive games in Selles’ short-lived tenure, Wilder has many issues to fix at Sheffield United, both in terms of performances and morale.
One of the most pressing matters on Wilder’s Sheffield United to-do list upon his return to Bramall Lane is getting supreme second tier talent Gustavo Hamer back to his best after an eyebrow-raising start to the season.
In a gamble which massively backfired on the Spaniard, Selles dropped Hamer at Ipswich Town and his presence was sorely missed, but Wilder has a plan for the Dutch midfielder.
Chris Wilder admits Sheffield United ‘need’ Gus Hamer
Not only is Hamer Sheffield United’s best player, but the midfielder is arguably at the top of the best Championship players pile.
Hamer was named the Championship Player of the Season for his exploits under Wilder’s stewardship last season and notched an assist for Tyrese Campbell’s opener in the play-off final defeat to Sunderland.
However, since Wilder’s exit and Selles’ appointment, Hamer has struggled for form after being played in a deeper role by Selles, which limited his attacking qualities.
The writing was on the wall for Selles after sacrificing the Blades’ best player at Portman Road in the hope of change, and many Sheffield United fans were abject about his absence.
Ahead of Sheffield United’s clash against Charlton Athletic, Wilder has admitted he will return Hamer to his best position, where he operates so dangerously, and has set big demands on the star’s shoulders.
With a smile, Wilder told his Sheffield United press conference: “Yeah, he’s got a good chance of (playing).
“He’s a player that I love and we have a few little bits and pieces as well, but we need him at the top of the pitch.
“That’s where we need him. We don’t need him in a different position than what he has been occupying or as seen by me watching the games, really. We need him at the top of the pitch.
“We need him whatever he plays, as a ten or off the side. Combinations, slide balls, crosses, assists, goals, big moments.
“He’s arguably the best player in the division. At the moment, he isn’t the best player in the division and we’re not the best team.
“But, he has that ability to raise his game, and I’m super confident that we can get the best out of him.”
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Gus Hamer will be key to Sheffield United’s revival
Hamer was wanted by PSV in the summer window following his outstanding performances last season.
So far in 2025/26, the Brazilian-born midfielder has shown flashes of his ample brilliance, most notably his stunning long-range strike in the Carabao Cup defeat to Birmingham City.
However, amid Sheffield United’s struggles under Selles, Hamer has been far from his dynamic best which attracted interest from the Dutch champions this summer.
Hamer is just one of many Sheffield United stars who need a boost following Selles’ start, and if there was ever a man to turn the tide on the Dutchman’s performances, it is Wilder.
They say rising tides lift all boats, and if Wilder can get Hamer back on all cylinders, his improved form will be a monumental boost to all at Bramall Lane.