Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp admits he has thought about managing his beloved Blades

Although Sharp confirmed he hopes to continue playing “for a bit longer yet”, the 34-year-old confirmed he would “love to give management a crack” having spent the past four seasons working under Wilder.

“When I say I want to be a manager, I’ve only thought about it the last few years because of the emotions of the gaffer,” Sharp, the United captain, said. “I would love to slide onto the pitch and run down the touchline pumping my fist. It’s not like playing for United but it’s the next best thing.”

Sharp, who like Wilder is a lifelong United fan, has scored 93 goals in less than 200 appearances since embarking upon his third spell at Bramall Lane in 2015. Fifteen months ago, he became the leading goalscorer in England’s leading four divisions this century as United powered towards promotion from the Championship. Earlier this week, Wilder described handing Sharp the armband as one of the best decisions he has taken during his time in charge of a club which was languishing in League One when he was appointed.

United had risen to seventh in the Premier League and were preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal before coronavirus forced the fixture calendar to be suspended indefinitely.

Explaining how watching his friend and former team mate Chris Morgan twice take the reins on a caretaker basis before Wilder’s arrival had whetted his appetite for coaching, Sharp said: “Morgs had a crack at it and loved it. So I might (try and) have a little stint, but I’m enjoying playing and hopefully that continues for a bit longer yet.”

"Whenever I put armband on, in League One or the Championship or at Manchester City, means same to me," Sharp added. "I'm as proud as ever to wear it.

"I try and conduct myself in a way that a captain should and want players to follow that."

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