'It feels like we've got a noose around our necks,' admits Sheffield United caretaker Paul Heckingbottom ahead of this weekend's visit to Wolves

After losing all but six of their 31 outings in the competition so far this season, United will enter Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers 18 points adrift of safety and at the bottom of the table with only seven matches remaining.

With even a win at Molineux only set to extend their stay of execution for another week, Heckingbottom admitted it has been difficult to lift spirits behind the scenes at Bramall Lane since being placed in caretaker charge last month as both the squad and many of his support staff brace themselves for the inevitable.

Acknowledging he has never found himself in a situation quite as bleak as the one United are in right now, Heckingbottom said: “In terms of being in this situation, it’s new to me and to a lot of people. “There has been a sense of inevitability about this moment, be that players, staff or fans. Whilst we understand it’s out of our hands, it doesn’t help performances.

“It’s always been a noose around our neck that has been dragging us down. The situation hasn’t changed. We’re not going to change our approach.”

Following a long, gruelling and punishing campaign which has tested both their fitness and strength of characters alike, United displayed signs of mental and physical fatigue during last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

With a fresh spate of injuries eating into the options at Heckingbottom’s disposal - news that Sander Berge returned to full training on Monday being offset by the loss of Oli McBurnie and captain Billy Sharp - the former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian manager is focusing on improving the mindset of those available for selection ahead of the trip to Molineux, rather than plotting any radical tactical changes.

“Everyone is suffering,” he said, reflecting upon United’s results this term. “The players and the fans. “It’s not a nice position to be in. When you are stepping into it, you feel it more. You are going back to another role, and turning up to cheer the lads on.

“When you’re around it all the time, of course it’s tough. But you have to be tough in football and get on with things.”

Promoted from his position with United’s under-23’s team following Chris Wilder’s departure last month, Heckingbottom struck a noticeably different tone during today’s media briefing. In the past, the 43-year-old has spoken about the need to continue believing in miracles as United attempted to complete what would have been the greatest escape in modern sporting history. However, speaking to journalists via Zoom from their Steelphalt Academy training base, Heckingbottom finally accepted the Championship beckons for a team which twice won promotion under his predecessor.

“I want the season to go on as long as it can,” he said. “I can’t get my head around looking at things any other way.

“You have to hope. In terms of how you should be thinking and the habits, it shou;dn’t be any different. If the worst thing did happen, those discussions are gone. We don’t have to talk about it (relegation) any more then. But, like I say, I want the season to be extended for as long as possible.”

In order for that to happen, Heckingbottom acknowledged anything other than a victory is “worth nothing” when they face opponents who are comfortably positioned in midtable. Given that is something United have only managed to achieve twice since losing to Wolves during the opening round of fixtures, it threatens to be a big ask. Particularly with John Fleck doubtful because of a groin problem. If the midfielder misses out, and Heckingbottom persists with the 3-5-2 formation he abandoned during the second-half of the meeting with Arsenal, youngster Iliman Ndiaye is expected to vy for a place alongside Oliver Norwood and John Lundstram. An alternative could be to nudge Ben Osborn upfield and make a switch at wing-back. Lundstram, who is set to leave South Yorkshire this summer after rejecting United’s offer of a new contract, has seen his stock plummet among supporters in recent weeks although Heckingbottom again insisted the Liverpudlian remains committed to helping his colleagues.

“I know everyone here is giving everything,” he said. “The figures, the stats, prove that in terms of what it being put in. They are all there.”

“But of course it’s been difficult, with everything that’s been going on and happening. That does take a toll on people. I think it would be more surprising if I tried to pretend it didn’t.

“My job, my biggest responsibility, is to let the players know that I’m there for them, that I’m trying to help them and that I’ve got their best interests at heart.

"Thst’s vitally important, and the other way around as well, because I’m sure out paths will cross again in the future.”

Although the question has never been posed directly, and despite the fact Jan van Winckel, United’s de facto director of football, is known to be a big admirer, Heckingbottom expects to relinquish control and return to his previous role when Wilder’s permanent successor is appointed.

Slavisa Jokanovic, whose deal with Qatari club Al-Gharafa is set to expire shortly, and Oostende’s head coach Alexander Blessin have both been linked with the post, although the latter could struggle to qualify for a work permit.

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