Exclusive: Chris Wilder Set to Axe Five as Sheffield United Prepare Major Winter Rebuild

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is preparing to gut his squad during the winter transfer window, SportsBoom understands.

At least five players have been told they will be allowed to either return to their parent clubs or made available for sale by The Blades coaching staff.

The decision, which has been privately relayed to those affected by Wilder himself, is part of a major drive to kickstart the club’s season following a disappointing sequence of results which has left it towards the foot of the table rather than challenging for promotion at the top.

Louie Barry, who is undergoing treatment for an injury at Aston Villa, is among those set to be axed by the 58-year-old after immediately losing his starting role when former manager Ruben Selles was axed over the autumn period. 

In addition, many of those signed when United’s owners initially decided to adopt an AI driven approach towards recruitment have also been deemed surplus to requirements after failing to hold down regular starting roles - or even squad places - since Wilder was appointed for a third time. 

VULNERABLE

They include the likes of Christian Nwachukwu, Mihail Polendakov and Ehije Ukaki. As well as Barry, whose arrival on loan came at Selles’ behest, Alex Matos and Mark McGuinness could also be vulnerable if suitable replacements are identified.

The Blades are also monitoring Tom Davies’ ongoing fitness issues, with the midfielder plagued by problems since joining from Everton. 

However, given Wilder’s respect for the former England under-21 international, a decision on his future is expected to be taken over the summer, providing him with a chance to address the problems which have frequently kept him sidelined.

Despite publicly suggesting otherwise, sources with knowledge of goings-on behind the scenes in South Yorkshire last night confirmed that The Blades’ coaching staff have decided that only root and branch reform will kick-start a campaign in danger of sliding into mediocrity or potentially even worse if they suffer another alarming slump in results.

Wilder also adopted shock tactics at the beginning of his first two spells in charge of the team he has supported since childhood. 

People close to him say that, while he appreciated United were struggling when he agreed to return shortly after being relieved of his duties following May’s play-off final defeat to Sunderland, the four-time promotion winner has been shocked at the scale of the deterioration in quality during the intervening period with a lack of leadership qualities and character a particular source of concern.