Micky Adams signs a two-and-a-half-year contract at Bramall Lane. Alan Cork has been confirmed as his number two.
The appointment of the 49-year-old takes immediate effect, with the lifelong Blades supporter taking his first game in charge of his beloved club at Burnley on New Years Day.
A compensation package has been agreed between the Blades and Port Vale, but the figure will remain confidential.
Adams joins the Blades at a difficult time, lying 20th in the Championship table, but he has the experience of leading clubs from the mire to safety and eventual success.
Port Vale currently lie 2nd in League Two and have been one of the promotion favourites in the fourth tier this season under the management of Adams.
The appointment as Blades manager will no doubt rank right towards the top in Adams' career, but one of his most memorable moments as a manager was bringing his Port Vale side to Bramall Lane last season and beating United 2:1 in the first round of the Carling Cup.
It is United's third manager of the season, with Kevin Blackwell being sacked after only two league games and Gary Speed leaving for the Wales post.
Alan Cork joins Adams as part of his backroom staff. Cork remains a Blades legend after his two-and-a-half-year stint at the Lane.
He was part of United's famous run into the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the 1992/1993 season and was the last Blades player to score at Wembley Stadium. 'He may have no hair, but we don't care'!
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