The Blades prop up the table with just five points after the 5-0 defeat at Burnley, their 11th reverse in 14 matches.

United chief executive Stephen Bettis said in a statement on the club website: “Firstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I’d like to thank Paul for all of his efforts at Sheffield United, firstly as U23s manager before stepping up to take control of first-team duties.

“His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I’m sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.

“However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season.”

Heckingbottom, who was appointed on a permanent in November 2021, guided the club to promotion last season but a torrid start to the 23/24 campaign has included an 8-0 home thrashing by Newcastle and a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal.

First-team coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left the club ahead of Thursday's home game against Liverpool.

Sheffield United says it hopes to have a new manager in place before the Liverpool game with former boss Chris Wilder expected to return to Bramall Lane.

Club owner Prince Abdullah told TalkSport that Wilder was “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," he said. “When you look at the table it’s a very special year, a very weird year when it comes to the standings, so it’s still early, the season is still long and we have every chance to achieve our goals.”