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 ...
5. Jack Robinson
One of United’s most impressive performers in recent weeks, Robinson certainly leaves it all out on the field and keeps his place for me despite Ciaran Clark returning to the squad at Ewood Photo: Simon Bellis
6. Max Lowe
Another big call, similar to the right wing-back. Lowe has been found wanting defensively in recent weeks but hopefully United see more of the ball at Reading, so I’ve plumped for him because of what he can offer offensively Photo: Simon Bellis
7. Ollie Norwood
Another big player United will be looking to to see them over the line, hopefully Norwood can get on the ball and dictate play like we all know he can Photo: Simon Bellis
8. Tommy Doyle
Pre-empting John Fleck becoming the latest victim of the press conference curse, I’m tipping Doyle to return to the side alongside Norwood – with a performance hopefully closer to his Spurs one, rather than Blackburn Photo: Simon Bellis