Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is scheduled to face the media this week

An email from Bramall Lane was sent to journalists from the regional and national media earlier this evening, stating Wilder and an as yet unidentified player are scheduled to discuss the third round clash via Zoom from the Steelphalt Academy training complex before leaving for the south-west.

The message comes following 48 hours of speculation on social media about the manager’s position at United, who have yet to win a game this term.

Last weekend’s loss to Crystal Palace was their 15th in 17 matches; a sequence of results which has left them 12 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table despite finishing ninth earlier this year.

Wilder, who has twice led United to promotion since inheriting a squad languishing mid-table in League One, is believed to have a number of injury concerns for the trip to Rovers. With Sander Berge and Jack O’Connell both ruled-out with long-term issues, a series of positive tests for Covid-19 meant United were only able to name six of their permitted nine substitutes for the trip to London, where teenager Antwoine Hackford made his debut.

Oli McBurnie, Oliver Burke and Jack Robinson were also among those to miss that game; placing further importance on United’ ability to bolster the options at Wilder’s disposal during this month’s transfer window.

Jesse Lingard, the Manchester United midfielder, and Preston North End defender Ben Davies are known to be among the names he is chasing.

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