Paul Heckingbottom’s job as Sheffield United manager is safe for now despite the Blades’ 8-0 thrashing at home to Newcastle, talkSPORT understands.

The Blades sealed their return to the Premier League last season as they finished second in the Championship – but so far they’ve failed win any of their first six league games.

Their latest result saw them fall to a heavy loss against Newcastle at Bramall Lane, the worst league defeat in their 134-year history.

Heckingbottom’s leadership was a key factor in their promotion charge following a two-year absence from the top flight.

But he has been under increasing pressure at the club of late but even with the most recent result, he looks set to remain in charge for the time being.

He initially took interim charge at Sheffield United in March 2021 when Chris Wilder left the club by mutual consent.

Slavisa Jokanovic was then hired as Wilder’s permanent replacement and Heckingbottom returned to his role of U23s manager.

However, he was brought back into the first-team picture soon after and has remained at the helm ever since.

Sheffield United reached the Championship play-off semi-finals at the end of the 2021/22 season before gaining promotion a year later.

Given their previous efforts in the top-flight, fans would certainly have had cause for optimism upon their return.

However, defeats have come against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Tottenham and now Newcastle.

They were close to sealing their first win of the season against Spurs but conceded two goals in second half stoppage time to lose.

Sheffield United, who are also out of the Carabao Cup, have scored just five league goals and conceded 17 as they sit bottom of the table.

The Blades have picked up just a single point thus far after their 2-2 draw at home to Everton at the beginning of the month.

Although they conceded eight times against Newcastle, it’s the only match this season in which they’ve lost by more than one goal.