'I don't get it' - Paul Merson baffled by report on behind-the-scenes plan at Sheffield United

The Blades boss suggested earlier in the week that his position with the club could become untenable if a transfer chief is drafted in amid reports that members of the board in South Yorkshire are eager to overhaul United's recruitment strategy.

But despite a disappointing campaign, Merson is of the belief that the Blades’ hierarchy must put their faith in Wilder

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, he said: “I don’t get it, I really don’t.

"If they get relegated, which they probably will get relegated, Chris knows those leagues inside out. Chris knows them league more than the Premier League. He spent his whole career in those leagues, so why would you want someone to tell you if it’s a good player or not?

"I don’t get it, I honestly don’t get that. I’d try and keep Chris happy, I know they’re going to get relegated, but the job he’s done since he’s been at the club is phenomenal.

"You’ve only got to see that they’re competitive still. They give their all. The attitude’s perfect.

"For me, I’d be listening to the manager, because when you’re a team that are struggling like that and everybody’s leaving everything on the pitch in certain games, if I’m owning the club I’m going, ‘Woah, they want to play for this manager so I better keep him happy’.

"If Chris Wilder goes, and this turns into bit of a saga and he leaves, Sheffield United aren’t coming back up.”