Heckingbottom to become first victim of the Premier League sack race

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM LOOKS set to be sacked as Sheffield United boss following Saturday's capitulation at Burnley.

The Blades suffered a 5-0 drubbing at Turf Moor, their 11th defeat in 14 games this season, and sit bottom of the Premier League with just five points.

The club subsequently postponed Monday's pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's midweek visit.

Former manager Chris Wilder is the favorite to replace Heckingbottom if the 46-year-old becomes the first top-flight manager to be sacked this season.

Some away fans turned on Heckingbottom towards the end of Saturday's defeat, during which striker Oli McBurnie was sent off before half-time for elbowing his opponents twice.

“The fans are right to shout and say that was not enough. At one point I was almost singing with them,” Heckingbottom said.

Wilder, a popular figure on Bramall Lane, stepped down by mutual consent in March 2021 after almost five years in the role. He has since been at Middlesbrough and Watford.