Sheffield United have re-appointed Chris Wilder as manager, marking his third spell in charge of the Blades just three months after he was sacked to make way for Ruben Selles.

Wilder replaces Selles, who was dismissed on Sunday following a 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town that left United bottom of the Championship with zero points.

The 57-year-old, who turns 58 next week, previously lost his job under United’s American owners, COH Sports, after a heartbreaking play-off final loss to Sunderland at Wembley. Despite that setback, the club’s hierarchy have turned back to Wilder, handing him a contract that runs until 2027.

Selles endured a disastrous short reign at Bramall Lane, losing all six of his matches in charge.

A Lifelong Blade

A boyhood fan of the club, Wilder’s association with Sheffield United began in 1986 as a player. The former defender spent six years at Bramall Lane, returned briefly in 1998, and later established himself as a managerial figurehead.

Wilder’s first managerial stint with United began in 2016, where he won the League One title in his first season. He later guided the Blades to Championship promotion in 2019, securing a return to the Premier League after 12 years.

The club impressed on their top-flight return, finishing ninth in 2020 with memorable wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. However, their form collapsed the following season, and Wilder departed in March 2021.

After spells at Middlesbrough and Watford, Wilder returned to United in December 2023, but was unable to prevent relegation from the Premier League. Last season, he inspired a strong campaign, collecting 90 points and reaching the play-off final, only to suffer late heartbreak against Sunderland.

Now, with the Blades struggling at the foot of the Championship, Wilder is once again tasked with leading his boyhood club to stability and renewed success.