Deane: "If you think about the job that Chris has actually done, for me there's only one person who can get that award."
Monday 10 February 2020 13:49, UK
Former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane believes Chris Wilder should be crowned the Premier League's manager of year ahead of Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp.
The blades sit two points adrift of the Premier League's top four following their comeback in the 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
Wilder, who took over the club in League One three seasons ago, has guided his side to fifth in their first season back in the top-flight for 12 years.
"The job that Chris has done is unbelievable, his man-management has been nothing short of fantastic," Deane told Sky Sports News.
"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.
"A lot of the players he has now have played in league one. The players have bought into his ideals and he has put Sheffield back on the map."
Only leaders Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than Sheffield United who were odds odds-on to be relegated at the start of the season.
With 12 games left, the club could secure the unthinkable - qualification for a major European competition for the first time in the club's 130-year history.
The Blades face Brighton and Norwich at home in their next two games and victory in those could see United overtake Chelsea in fourth.
"I don't see why not, there's no pressure on them [to achieve Champions League football]," Deane added.
"They have to look up the table rather than behind them. They [Brighton and Norwich] are two winnable games but the players won't take them for granted.
"It is also a situation where the Champions League is in their own destiny as they can make it hard for any of the teams who are following them to really struggle. Chelsea haven't been as consistent as perhaps they could be, it's all there to play for."
