Sheffield United set for manager change ahead of Liverpool clash

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is set to be sacked prior to his side's clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Blades sit bottom of the Premier League after 14 games with just one win and five points in total.

The newly-promoted side were tipped to struggle this season and have suffered some heavy defeats already, recording an 8-0 loss to Newcastle, 5-0 to Arsenal and most recently 5-0 to Burnley.

That latest result this weekend appears to have been the straw that broke the camel's back, with reports claiming that the Sheffield United board are set to make a change at the top.

The BBC's Simon Stone reports that Heckingbottom's departure will be confirmed on Monday, with a pre-match press conference originally scheduled for today ahead of the clash with Liverpool now cancelled.

Who will take charge of the Blades at Bramall Lane for the visit of Liverpool is currently unclear.

Former manager and local hero Chris Wilder is widely expected to be appointed for a second spell as Sheffield United manager. However, whether he is in place for Wednesday's game remains to be seen.

Assistant manager Stuart McCall, a former Everton player, could take temporary charge of the team if Wilder – or any other candidate – is not appointed in time.

Wilder has a record of four defeats from four games played against Liverpool, while the Reds last trip to Bramall Lane back in 2021 ended in a 2-0 win for the visitors.