Sheffield United fans are not impressed by potential Chris Wilder replacements, there’s only ‘one man for the job’

Add as preferred source on Google

News broke last week that Sheffield United were considering sacking Chris Wilder, but supporters have been left very disappointed by the two names tipped to be in the running to succeed him.

As a born-and-raised Sheffield United fan, Chris Wilder will always have a special place in the hearts of the fans at Bramall Lane.

He’s helped, of course, by the fact he has steered the Blades to promotion to the Premier League twice over the course of two stints with the club.

Wilder almost bagged the hattrick last season, but missed out on automatic promotion and fell at the final hurdle in the play-offs thanks to a dramatic Sunderland win.

We revealed on Thursday that Wilder was set for crunch talks with the United hierarchy regarding his future, with a decision expected within the next few days.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United’s starting XI after dream summer transfer window, five new signings can transform the Blades

Gary O’Neil and Ruben Selles rumours have not gone down well with Blades fans

If Wilder does get the sack, the latest reports on the matter suggest Gary O’Neil and Ruben Selles are in line for the job.

Funnily enough, they are two names we predicted would be in the running for the Blades job, but whether they would be the right choices or not is another matter.

Sheffield United fans certainly don’t agree with the potential new managers, and have taken to Twitter/X to voice their dismay.

One fan said: “Hopefully these links are enough to make those who want to get rid of Wilder think twice.”

Another looked at the records of the two candidates, and replied: “A handful of Championship games between them and neither has a record to suggest they could go close to promotion. Wilder would have us top five all season and is definitely our only hope of going one better.”

Elsewhere, one supporter posted, “Don’t get either of them. Keep Wilder,” and another added, “Well I don’t rate either of these! Only one man for the job and it’s Chris Wilder.”

Clearly unimpressed by the alternatives to the current setup, one Blades fan simply asked: “How do either of these improve us?”

There are some out there who are more open to the changes, but they have a strong warning for the COH Sports chiefs in charge of this decision, writing: “Whoever the next appointment is it has to be the right one. Automatic promotion is a must next season.”

Pressed to pick an option, one fan said: “Wouldn’t mind Gary O’Neil. Ruben Selles is a no for me.”

• READ MORE: Alan Biggs ‘not convinced’ over Sheffield United owners as Chris Wilder uncertainty looms

Comparing Chris Wilder’s record with Gary O’Neil and Ruben Selles

There’s no denying that Wilder is one of the best and most successful Sheffield United managers, at least in the modern era.

He’s now taken charge of 305 games for the Blades across his two spells (227 between 2016 and 2021, and a further 78 now). Of those, he’s won 140, giving him a 45.9% win rate.

That’s not bad at all considering he has spent time with United in the Premier League, where they naturally struggle to pick up results.

Comparing that to the work of Ruben Selles, Wilder is obviously equipped with more experience and also has a better win rate. The Spaniard has coached 122 games and won 45 across spells with Southampton, Reading and most recently as Hull City manager, giving him a 36.8% win ratio.

Looking at Gary O’Neil’s work he’s overseen 100 matches with Bournemouth and Wolves and won 31 of them (which gives him a 31% win rate). Granted, he was working in the Premier League, so some extra credit should be awarded there.