Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is fighting for his job when his team takes on Arsenal this Saturday.
A loss could mean the end of Heckingbottom’s tenure, with former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder in line to replace him.
The match comes as Sheffield United are currently at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Paul Heckingbottom, the current manager of Sheffield United, faces a critical test this Saturday against Arsenal.
A loss could lead to Heckingbottom’s dismissal, with former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder potentially stepping in, according to an exclusive in the Mail.
Mail Sport initially reported last month that Wilder had been approached for a possible return to Bramall Lane.
Since that point, Heckingbottom’s squad has lost five more matches consecutively, including an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United.
Despite a willingness to provide Heckingbottom with additional time after their Premier League promotion, sources indicate that if the team suffers another defeat, particularly against Arsenal, it may be his last match in charge. That seems rather harsh as you’d imagine results against other teams near the bottom of the table would carry more weight.
Wilder is reportedly the leading candidate among a shortlist of three to potentially replace Heckingbottom. He has reportedly mended the strained relationship with the club’s owner, Prince Abdullah.
Wilder, who made over 100 appearances for Sheffield United in his playing days, previously managed the club between 2016 and 2021. During this tenure, he led the team from League One to the Premier League.
Since leaving his short-term contract at Watford in the summer, Wilder has been unemployed.
The situation also raises questions about the earlier stance of Sheffield United CEO Stephen Bettis.
Just last month, Bettis praised Heckingbottom’s work, stating, “He’s done a great job. He’s been excellent. He’s smart and thinks about the big picture. He understands the needs and wants of a football club, not just the wants and needs of a manager.”
Should Heckingbottom be relieved of his duties, it would mark a significant change in the club’s recent show of support for him.
Arsenal vs Sheffield United head-to-head
Arsenal and Sheffield United have a rich history of head-to-head competition, dating all the way back to 1903.
Over this period, Arsenal have had a slight upper hand with 51 wins, while Sheffield United have secured 40 victories. The two sides have also shared the spoils in 27 drawn matches.
In the last 10 meetings, Arsenal have largely dominated the encounters, winning seven matches, losing two, and drawing one. Notably, the Gunners have had an impressive run in recent years, securing wins in the last four games in all competitions.
The only drawn match in the last 10 games was a 1-1 stalemate in the Premier League on 18 January 2020.
Sheffield United’s last win against Arsenal came on 21 October 2019 in a 1-0 victory in the Premier League.
Last 10 encounters:
- 11 April 2021: Sheffield United v Arsenal – W 0-3 (Premier League)
- 04 October 2020: Arsenal v Sheffield United – W 2-1 (Premier League)
- 28 June 2020: Sheffield United v Arsenal – W 1-2 (FA Cup)
- 18 January 2020: Arsenal v Sheffield United – D 1-1 (Premier League)
- 21 October 2019: Sheffield United v Arsenal – L 1-0 (Premier League)
- 23 September 2008: Arsenal v Sheffield United – W 6-0 (League Cup)
- 31 October 2007: Sheffield United v Arsenal – W 0-3 (League Cup)
- 30 December 2006: Sheffield United v Arsenal – L 1-0 (Premier League)
- 23 September 2006: Arsenal v Sheffield United – W 3-0 (Premier League)
- 1 March 2005: Sheffield United v Arsenal – W 0-0 (FA Cup, Arsenal won 4-2 on penalties)