The Blades travel to Berkshire having seen their lead cut to four points at the weekend after defeat at Blackburn, coupled with Middlesbrough’s 5-0 hammering of the Royals.
Heckingbottom mounted a passionate defence of Sander Berge before boarding the coach south, and also faces big decisions in other areas of his side.
So we tasked our man to step into Heckingbottom’s shoes and select the side he would send out to face Reading – and here’s what he went for ...
1. Wes Foderingham
Left badly exposed at Blackburn for Rovers’ winning goal and keeps the No.1 shirt Photo: Simon Bellis
2. Jayden Bogle
One of a few big calls at right wing-back, with Bogle not quite at it in recent weeks and George Baldock back and available. Hopefully United can be on the front foot at Reading, which is why the more attacking-minded Bogle gets the nod for me with Baldock coming on later if needed Photo: Simon Bellis
3. Chris Basham
With Anel Ahmedhodžić still suspended, Basham keeps his place and will hopefully enjoy more opportunities to stride forward after his almost-wondergoal at Blackburn Photo: Simon Bellis
4. John Egan
One of several members of this squad to have got over the line in the promotion race before, United will need Egan and Co. to step up for the final stretch this time around Photo: Simon Bellis