Sheffield United legend, Brian Deane, has insisted that Chris Wilder is the only man who deserves to win manager of the year.
Despite Liverpool running away with the league title, the Blades are sitting fifth in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp looks to be on course to land the prestigious individual award this season. Indeed, Wilder is the current holder of the LMA Manager of the Year award after leading the Blades to Championship glory last season.
Brian Deane believes Chris Wilder should win the manager of the year award. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
However, Deane insists that the job Wilder has done this term needs recognising. Speaking to Sky Sports, Deane believes the Blades boss is the ‘only person’ for the award.
“The job that Chris has done is unbelievable, his man-management has been nothing short of fantastic,” Deane said.
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“Jurgen Klopp is an amazing manager. But I have to say if you think about the job that Chris has actually done – getting promoted and where the team are challenging – for me, there’s only one person who can get that award.”
Deane, who is a legend at Bramall Lane and scored the very first Premier League goal, is not the only one to be impressed by Wilder this year. Just last week, Sky pundit, Jamie Redknapp, also called for Wilder to be given an award.
Brian Deane scored the first-ever Premier League goal. (Photo by Howard Boylan/Allsport/Getty Images)
And when pressed further, the former United striker said that the Champions League should be in the sights of the Blades and Wilder.
“I don’t see why not. There’s no pressure on them [to achieve Champions League football]“, Deane added.
The hype is real
For so long it’s been about staying up. Getting to the magic 40 point mark and simply building ready for another season in the top-flight next term.
But not anymore. Talk of a European tour is a genuine conversation around the red and white half of Sheffield. Most Blades fans won’t admit it but a lot of them will secretly fancy their team to continue doing well and secure a top-six spot.
However, it’s easy to get complacent. The Blades must keep winning to stand any chance. Regardless of if they do or not, though, it’s been a season to remember for Chris Wilder’s charges.
For Wilder personally, he’d win the award any other year. Klopp will, rightfully, win the award if Liverpool do indeed finish the season unbeaten.
