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Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Sheffield United players looks dejected after their clash with Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley, England, December 2, 2023. /CFP
The billionaire owners of the Premier League are not typically known for their tolerance and stoicism, but there seems to be a slight deviation from the norm this season. As we approach the end of the year, no manager has faced the dreaded sack since Julen Lopetegui's departure from Wolves back in August.
However, the wait is about to be over.
Sheffield United have made the decision to relieve Paul Heckingbottom of his managerial duties and have turned to their former manager, Chris Wilder, in a desperate attempt to rejuvenate their struggling campaign.
Following their devastating 5-0 defeat against Burnley on Saturday, United's position in the league has taken a significant tumble. They now find themselves at the bottom, having slipped below both Burnley and Everton. With just one victory in 14 matches, their campaign has been far from successful.
According to stats provider Opta, United have conceded the highest number of goals (39) and scored the fewest (11) in the top flight this season.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom during their clash with Manchester United at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, October 21, 2023. /CFP
In the aftermath of the humiliating loss to Burnley, Heckingbottom pointed fingers at the club, suggesting that financial decisions have taken precedence over football considerations. This criticism comes in light of the team's struggles and the red card received by Oli McBurnie, which left them with just 10 men on the pitch.
United had a rough start upon their return to the Premier League. Losing their first three games and suffering a home defeat by League One's Lincoln City in the League Cup second round certainly did not help their cause.
Although they managed to secure their first league point in a 2-2 draw with Everton in early September, their fortunes quickly took a turn for the worse. The team went on to lose their next six league games, including an 8-0 defeat at home against Newcastle and a 5-0 loss at the hands of Arsenal.
The defeat by Arsenal marked a significant milestone in their struggling campaign. With nine losses in their opening 10 matches and a staggering goal difference of minus 22, United set an unfortunate record for the worst start to a Premier League season by any team. These early setbacks undoubtedly contributed to the challenges they faced throughout the season.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom (L) speaks with Oli McBurnie (R) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, September 16, 2023. /CFP
It does feel like a distant memory when Heckingbottom guided United to promotion from the Championship last season, overcoming various challenges along the way. The 46-year-old must have felt a sense of impending doom as he watched his goalkeeper, Wes Foderingham, repeatedly retrieve the ball from the back of the net during their recent rout against Burnley.
The squad is undeniably lacking in creativity and goals, especially following the departure of several key players who played a crucial role in their promotion campaign. The harsh reality is that returning to the Premier League was always going to pose a significant challenge for United. However, this is no longer Heckingbottom's concern.