Jamie Redknapp thinks Chris Wilder is the current favourite to be named Premier League manager of the year.
Sheffield United have enjoyed an excellent start to the new season under Wilder. Heading into the latest international break they are fifth in the table after 12 games.
Their 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend ensured the Blades are unbeaten in six away league matches this term. No newly promoted side has achieved that in 25 years.
United also have the second best defensive record in the division and the joint most clean sheets.
Which is presumably why Redknapp has tipped Wilder for more awards in 2019/20.
“Chris Wilder has to be favourite to win the Premier League’s Manager of the Year award right now,” the pundit wrote in his Daily Mail column.
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“Frank Lampard is performing amazingly at Chelsea, getting big performances out of young players. What a story it would be if Jurgen Klopp leads Liverpool to the title ahead of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, too.
“But Wilder has wowed us all. His Sheffield United side were written off by plenty at the start of the season. But look at them now – leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium disappointed with only a point.
“If they can finish in the top half of the table, then Wilder has to take home that award.”
Could Wilder win manager of the year?
It would be a huge achievement if the 52-year-old was named as the best boss in the top flight of English football.
Especially considering Liverpool have dropped just two points in the league this season. Their 3-1 win over title rivals Man City on Sunday moves them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Despite a transfer ban, Chelsea are in that chasing pack under the guidance of Lampard. Meanwhile, although not mentioned by Redknapp, Brendan Rodgers has guided Leicester City to second.
Yet Wilder does have form when it comes to upsetting the odds. Last term, he won the LMA Manager of the Year award ahead of both Klopp and Guardiola.