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Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles oversaw his second Championship defeat from two with his new side at the weekend.
The Ruben Selles era for Sheffield United has begun disastrously, with two defeats from his opening two league games.
Sheffield United lost 4-1 to Bristol City on the opening weekend, and on Saturday afternoon, the Blades were beaten 1-0 at Swansea City.
Sandwiched between those two defeats was a 2-1 loss to newly promoted Birmingham City in the opening round of the Carabao Cup.
Following the Swansea loss, Selles has stressed the importance of one factor for the Blades, which is unlikely to be reciprocated by their supporters.
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Ruben Selles issues Sheffield United demand after Swansea City loss
Ahead of the Swansea clash, EFL Analysis exclusively revealed that Sheffield United have a “chance” of keeping Gus Hamer beyond the summer transfer window.
However, after his team’s turgid display at Swansea, fears over his future among the Bramall Lane faithful will be heightened about his potential departure to admirers Leeds United and PSV Eindhoven.
In typical fashion, Hamer attempted to breathe some life into the Blades’ play, but was unable to assert his dominance on proceedings.
With Selles’ competitive reign at Sheffield United beginning with three consecutive defeats, the Blades boss asked for “calm” after the Swansea defeat.
Selles told BBC Sport: “The first half was an even game. Then in the second half, they broke our pressure a couple of times, especially around our right-hand side.
“We tried to adjust the pressure and didn’t work in the way that we wanted. In an offensive throw, they scored a goal from our own throw-in.
“The game became difficult for us and then we were not good enough arriving into the final third and trying to create more situations. We must remain calm in all we do.”
Sheffield United fans will not be pleased with Selles’ demand for “calm”, given their less-than-impressive start under his stewardship.
Next weekend, Sheffield United face Millwall on the back of the Lions’ shock 3-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough, which caused Alex Neil’s angry verdict regarding his side’s “cheap” loss.
Before then, several signings must be made by Sheffield United to put the brakes on their stalled start to the season.
Sheffield United need to sign defenders amid Chris Mepham links
In a Sheffield United transfer update ahead of the Swansea clash, EFL Analysis exclusively revealed that Selles is “not happy” with his squad and that defenders are on his recruitment radar.
One target mentioned was former Sunderland loanee Chris Mepham, who returned to parent club Bournemouth this summer after starring in the Championship play-off final win against the Blades in May.
Reports emerged last week that Sheffield United bid £8m for Bobby Thomas in an ambitious move for the Coventry City centre-back.
Following the loss of Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord, the Blades have been targeting his potential replacement, with Sheffield United considering a move for Ben Godfrey to fill the Ahmedhodzic void.
After three defeats in a row and conceding seven goals in the process, time is of the essence for Sheffield United to recruit one, if not multiple, of their aforementioned central defensive targets.