Chris Wilder was given a warm reception by Sheffield United fans on his first return to Bramall Lane since leaving the Blades in March 2021.
Blades fans cried “Chrissy Wilder, he’s one of our own” before kick-off against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night as a special mention was made to the former United boss.
Wilder left the club in March 2021 with the Blades bottom of the Premier League.
It was an unfortunate end to a golden period at the club where he steered the Blades from bottom of League One after his fourth game in charge to ninth in the Premier League in just over four years at the club.
The Blades became League One champions at the end of his first season in charge, securing a club record 100 points.
In 2019, the Blades were promoted to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship on 89 points, five points behind champions Norwich.
United then enjoyed a sensational return season in the Premier League as they flirted with the European places.
He returned to Sheffield for the first time since his departure on Tuesday night, as United faced Middlesbrough in a crunch Championship promotion game.
It proved to be a miserable return for the former Blades boss with United running out comprehensive 4-1 winners.
Wilder made Billy Sharp captain at the Blades early into his reign at Bramall Lane and it was Sharp who put United 2-0 up on the night.
Morgan Gibbs-White was the visitors’ tormentor-in-chief, supplying Billy Sharp for the Blades’ second goal and netting an exquisite backheeled finish to make it 4-1 in the second half.
Wilder is remembered fondly by the Sheffield United fanbase and one Blades fan expressed his gratitude to the 54-year-old for what he achieved at Bramall Lane.
Blades fans also voiced their opinion regarding the return of their former manager to Bramall Lane and United’s performance against Boro on social media.
Outstanding tonight, MGW just gets better. Osborn out of position has been brilliant. Robinson not put a foot wrong in the last 2 months. Davies, Sharp & Norwood great tonight too. Shame for Wes to lose his clean sheet in the manor that he did, Boro rarely threatened. +3 👍 #SUFC
— Ryan Thompson (@RyThompson1889) March 8, 2022
Boro were poor but that league is for the taking. Missing Bash, George, Bogle, Enda and we still win 4-1. Scenes this last leg of the season is gonna be 😍 #sufc #twitterblades
— Brooke Kelly (@mynameisbrooke) March 8, 2022
The Lane was buzzing, United were unstoppable, it was another special night under the lights. Let’s go again on Saturday #sufc #twitterblades
— John Slingsby (@FNRLTheBlog) March 8, 2022
Get the feeling they really really wanted to beat wilder tonight …maybe a hint of bitterness for some reason 🤔#sufc
— Martin Hodder (@blueportaluk) March 8, 2022
Wilder has said his goodbyes, we’ve gave him the appreciation he deserves… let that be done and dusted!!! THE END #sufc
— HW⚔️ (@HW1889) March 8, 2022
I’ve actually just watch Paul heckingbottom tactically out class Chris wilder. Imagine saying that 2 years ago😂 #twitterblades #sufc
— a_awdhali (@Adam70433875) March 8, 2022
That was awesome from start to finish. Totally dominant from #sufc & in truth the score could have been greater. All of them brilliant. Thought Sharp & MGW were immense though. Right tone from fans too. Wilder & Knill deservedly get pre match applause. Hecky in-match support.
— Jamie Fletcher (@FletchRadio) March 8, 2022
Wasn’t there tonight (Covid finally got me) but the crowd sounded absolutely brilliant tonight. Respectul to Wilder then from minute 1 pushed the team on to a huge 3 points. Fair play to every single one of you.#twitterblades #sufc
— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) March 8, 2022
