The latest on Sheffield United's search for a manager: Numerous expressions of interest but no firm timescale set

Although no exact figure was given, sources with knowledge of the selection process report that representatives of “many” individuals both in and out of work began contacting United’s hierarchy within hours of the 53-year-old’s departure being officially announced on Saturday.

A timescale for a permanent appointment to be made has yet to be decided upon, which suggests both the speed and the timing of Wilder’s exit took both parties involved by surprise.

With Paul Heckinbottom set to remain in charge on a caretaker basis until the end of the season, one agent acting on behalf of a client potentially keen on the role has revealed he was told all applications received by United’s hierarchy will be “considered on their merits” before a short list is drawn-up.

Jason Tindall, who served as both assistant manager and manager at AFC Bournemouth before parting company with the south coast club earlier this term, has been hired to join Heckingbottom’s backroom team although Alan Knill, previously Wilder’s number two, remains on staff in an as yet undefined role. Coach Matt Prestridge and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell were also present during Sunday’s match at Leicester City, which saw United finish the latest round of Premier League fixtures 14 points adrift of safety after being beaten 5-0 at the KP Stadium.

They return to action this weekend, with a visit to Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

With United destined to be relegated following two seasons in the top-flight - Wilder achieving the second of his two promotions at the helm in 2019 - those tasked with identifying and then interviewing the most desirable candidates are considering a number of criteria before entering the next phase of the search for Wilder's successor.

Strategy, concerning both squad building and infrastructure behind the scenes, is known to have been a source of tension in the relationship between United’s hierarchy and Wilder, with the latter insisting that no key players were sold this summer.

In a statement acknowledging they had parted company, United outlined their intention to “keep the core of the player group” and “to invest further in the academy and first team, to place us in the best possible position for the future.”

United will reach the last four of the tournament for the first time since 2014 if they beat Thomas Tuchel’s side at Stamford Bridge, although they are set to be without a number of influential figures for the tie.

John Egan and Jack O’Connell are both receiving treatment for injuries, while Phil Jagielka’s involvement could be in doubt after his brother Steve, who also played for United, passed away.

Intriguingly, Sander Berge has been named in the Norway squad for their upcoming round of games despite recently suffering a set-back in his battle to recover from a serious hamstring complaint sustained in December.

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