The odds are stacked against rock-bottom Sheffield United's hopes of survival — and they have turned to former boss Chris Wilder to help them beat the drop.

Wilder, 56, has returned to the Bramall Lane hotseat to replace Paul Heckingbottom, who was sacked after 11 defeats from their first 14 games with a 5-0 loss to relegation rivals Burnley proving the final straw.

With a daunting home clash against Liverpool his first task on Wednesday, we look at how the Blades boss can secure an unlikely escape.

Bolster squad in January

Heckingbottom was not helped by the club's transfer strategy ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge — who both starred their unlikely promotion campaign — were sold, while Tommy Doyle joined Wolves instead of United after his impressive loan spell in Yorkshire.

In his final interview as Blades boss, Heckingbottom said: "I wanted to keep the group together but we couldn't.

"There wasn't a desire from the ownership to sell, but a necessity from a business point of view. We've been making financial decisions rather than football decisions."

While Saudi owner Prince Abdullah remains unable to write out a blank chequebook for Wilder, he could well help the manager's cause by adding players with some experience of a Premier League relegation battle.

He told talkSPORT: "We will look at where we are in the table and what we can do. 

"It's very early to talk about that but I can assure you one thing — me and Chris are on the same page when it comes to January and after January."

Galvanise the players

Sheffield United's promotion in 2022-23 — and indeed during their impressive previous era under Wilder — was built on a strong sense of togetherness in the squad and it seems that had been slipping during the final few weeks of Heckingbottom's reign.

Faced with undoubtedly their biggest game of the season against a Clarets side who had won just once this term, the Blades shipped three goals within the first 17 minutes at Turf Moor.

Oli McBurnie, one of the more experienced members of the group, was later dismissed for two cheap yellow cards, making their uphill task even more difficult.

Wilder worked with plenty of the squad during his previous time with the club and a familiar face could be just what is needed to help instil confidence once again.

Their owner added: "Chris has done great things for the club and in my opinion he's the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances.

"Chris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn't think it's easy, but he thinks it's still possible."

Tighten up

The Blades' paltry goal difference of minus 28 is 11 worse than any other side, with two 5-0 losses and an 8-0 defeat among their list of results this term.

No team has conceded more goals (39) or shots (266) than the Blades, while they are one of three teams yet to record a clean sheet. 

United are unable to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the division, so becoming a harder team to break down looks to be the best way of being able to compete at this level.

Failure to find the net is another concern but if Wilder can get them to stop shipping goals at such a frequent rate, it will bost their chances.

Harness support of fans

Wilder's previous reign in the Steel City did not end particularly positively and his stints at Middlesbrough and Watford since have not gone much better.

So, much like a squad who have already been written off, the manager arrives with a point to prove.

A popular figure in South Yorkshire, Wilder will have the fans onside from the off as they try and make Bramall Lane an intimidating place to go once again.

That should give them a fighting chance — but whether it is enough for survival remains to be seen.