Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has publicly criticized his players after their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United, as Steven Gerrard is reportedly linked with a return to management

Steven Gerrard may have edged closer to a return to management following Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson's scathing assessment of his squad's lack of fighting spirit.

The Red Dragons, recently touted as potential suitors for Gerrard, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, extending their disappointing campaign.

The Welsh outfit, jointly owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, find themselves in 17th position, a stark contrast to their near play-off finish last term. Following Ben Brereton-Diaz's match-winning strike for the Blades, Wrexham's long-serving boss Parkinson publicly criticised his team's absence of desire and determination.

Parkinson's patience has been wearing thin with his squad, who have managed just three victories from 13 Championship fixtures this campaign.

Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting Gerrard harbored ambitions of taking charge at the Racecourse Ground, which would mark his first appointment since departing Al-Ettifaq in January 2025.

Given Wrexham's most recent setback and Parkinson's open rebuke of his players, the former Anfield captain could well be fielding an approach in the near future, reports the Liverpool Echo.

After Friday evening's reverse, Parkinson said: "Whatever system you play or personnel you play, the team has to represent the town in the way it has done for the vast majority of the last five years

"I think this season we have had some really good performance, but I don't feel we have got the consistent effort level and desire every week. That's what our fans are used to seeing.

"We were similar at this stage last year. We were patchy and we worked with the group on an understanding as to what it means to play for this club and how much teams want to beat us.

"How much all the opposition supporters want to beat us. And what it takes to wear that shirt. We got it and nearly got in the play-offs. We have to get that level with this group."

He continued: "My mantra is when supporters are paying good money to watch us play, I want them driving away feeling the team has given them everything. If we still haven't won, we go clap them and they clap us off because they have seen an unbelievable, spirited performance."

Parkinson's remarks are unlikely to ease the growing unrest currently engulfing the club, with ongoing speculation surrounding his own position.

TalkSPORT recently reported that Gerrard is interested in the position, which would mark his first managerial appointment since leaving Saudi Arabia last year. Furthermore, TeamTalk also suggested Gerrard has "said yes" to assuming control of the club, although nothing has been finalised.

At present, Parkinson finds himself under scrutiny but is anticipated to receive the chance to reverse the club's fortunes, despite speculation connecting various managers as possible successors.

Gerrard, amongst those mentioned, is presently enjoying a more prominent punditry position with TNT Sports' coverage this campaign but continues to be associated with a managerial comeback, having been touted for the Burnley position before they appointed Fabio Celestini earlier this week.