The boyhood Blade’s departure was confirmed on Saturday evening, less than 24 hours before Paul Heckingbottom began his caretaker reign at the King Power Stadium.
Heckingbottom, accompanied by former Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall and Alan Knill, watched on as United fell to a heavy defeat.
“It was a difficult one to watch, to be involved in and then an emotional dressing room to be in at the end, Heckingbottom said after the game. “It’s topped off a difficult week for a lot of people, that.
“I’m not going to say what’s been said but it’s an emotional time, Chris is a mate and brought me to the club.
"For everyone in the dressing room he was their leader and someone they shared a lot of good times and success with, and it’s the end of all that. It’s an emotional time for everyone.
“Leicester were ruthless, but there was a lot of habits from our boys which that success hasn’t been built on. I think the week has taken its toll and the effects of that could be seen.”
Although it looks extremely likely the Blades will be playing Championship next season, who succeeds Wilder is still unknown.
There will no doubt be several names linked with the role between now and the summer – just take a report in the Scottish Sun for example.
It is claimed former Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has emerged as a shock contender for the vacancy at Bramall Lane.
They add that Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Slaven Bilic are also being considered with the process to find Wilder’s successor underway.
Here are the latest headlines from Sheffield United and their Premier League rivals:
“It was a difficult one to watch, to be involved in and then an emotional dressing room to be in at the end, Heckingbottom said after the game. “It’s topped off a difficult week for a lot of people, that.
5. Solskjaer eyes £60m in player sales
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to raise £60million in player sales this summer after being handed a modest budget of around £80m. Solskjaer wants to sign a centre-back, a right winger, a defensive midfielder and a centre forward. (Metro) Photo: OLI SCARFF
6. Arsenal consider Brighton pair
Arsenal are considering a move for Brighton pair Yves Bissouma and Tariq Lamptey. The Gunners have asked to be kept informed of Bissouma’s situation, while Lamptey is a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin. (Daily Express) Photo: Pool
7. Gala interested in Gayle
Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, who is out-of-contract at the end of the season, is attracting interest from Galatasaray and a number of clubs in Turkey. (Daily Mirror) Photo: Pool
8. Leeds cast eye over youngster
Hibernian striker Ethan Laidlaw spent last week on trial at Leeds United. The 16-year-old, who signed his first professional contract in February, is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs. (Daily Record) Photo: Pool