Paul Heckingbottom tells Sheffield United's players exactly what is at stake as manager search continues

Heckingbottom, who is scheduled to remain in charge until Chris Wilder’s permanent replacement is appointed, was speaking after watching United lose for the 24th time in 30 outings; this time to Yorkshire rivals Leeds.

Although their fate was effectively sealed long before the visit to Elland Road, Heckingbottom is keen to ensure United exit the top-flight in orderly fashion; giving whoever takes charge the best opportunity to make an immediate impact.

With their levels of confidence and self-belief visibly draining, the 43-year-old said: “We have to think and focus on finishing the season well. But we also have to think bigger than that.

“If anyone knew (how to bring confidence back) then they’d be millionaires, because if you could put it in a pill then everyone would be buying it.

“There’s no guaranteed answers but there’s lots of things we can try to do. We need to demand standards of ourselves and we need to demand bravery.”

“In fairness to the lads, they have a real desire to get on the ball and try to play,” Heckingbottom added. “We might make mistakes, that’s fine by me. So long as people are showing that bravery.”

United, who return to action when Arsenal travel to South Yorkshire this weekend, are expected to hold further talks with Alexander Blessin’s representatives later this week as they consider inviting the Oostende head coach to succeed Wilder. Slavisa Jokanovic, previously of Fulham and Watford, would also be interested in discussing the vacancy but has yet to be approached.

"We have to keep on going, and demanding the best from ourselves,” Heckingbottom said. “Nobody here is just going to throw it in, because I know that isn’t how this group is made. But we have to keep trying to drive it forward and set the right standards, because nobody else will do it for us.”

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