Did Sheffield United's inspired performance at Everton suggest a managerial appointment has moved closer?

Had the search for a new manager moved closer to completion? A few days after Paul Heckingbottom, the interim boss, admitted that the lack of an announcement was causing uncertainty in the Blades dressing room, suddenly everything looked different.

They were quicker, sharper. More incisive. Several players who had looked shadows of their former selves this season appeared more like the players of old.

It may be too simplistic to link it to the chances of an impending announcement, but it’s certainly a tempting theory. United, who recently inked serial promotion-winner Slavisa Jokanovic’s name as an addendum to their previous five-man shortlist, are understood to have been encouraged by exploratory talks with the Serb and his representatives, and are privately hopeful of making an announcement soon.

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But nothing, The Star understands, is yet set in stone. United had made Alexander Blessin their No.1 target to replace Chris Wilder, even after it became apparent that the German did not have the necessary experience to obtain permission to work in England post-Brexit, while Philippe Clement of Club Brugge is thought to have also been considered.

The shortlist certainly included Heckingbottom, but he has been clear from the start that he sees his role with United’s U23 side going forward - despite also featuring on the shortlist for another recently-vacant managerial role elsewhere.

“My future is clear to me,” Heckingbottom said. “Nothing’s changed.

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“I speak regularly to the board and the owner, I see Steve [Bettis, chief executive] regularly, so there’s constant communication. But it’s about the day job, nothing specific.

“I’m comfortable and happy with that. We’re keeping things rolling until a decision is made. Then we’ll see what happens.”

Jokanovic, who won promotion from the Championship with both Fulham and Watford, is the standout candidate. As his time at Qatari club Al-Gharafa comes to an end, he will also be amongst the most expensive.

Prince Abdullah, United’s owner, has repeatedly told fans to judge him on his actions, not his words. Now may just be the time to put his money where his mouth is, for the sake of United’s future.

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