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Sheffield United have been regarded as ‘blunt’ in front of goal as one expert believes that the Blades have ‘underwhelmed’ under Ruben Selles.
Sheffield United’s start to the 2025/26 Championship season has been strikingly poor, with Ruben Selles kicking life off in S2 with two successive defeats (three including the EFL lost to Birmingham City).
After a summer of change, which has seen Chris Wilder sacked from Sheffield United, and the Spaniard Selles emerging as his successor, the Blades have not backed their new boss significantly in the transfer window.
Selles has complained about the club’s recruitment so far, with there being a notable drought of depth in the backline.
The uncertainty on the club’s recruitment has spilled onto the performances on the pitch, with the Blades suffering two defeats in a row, to the point where one expert has given an overly negative review of Sheffield United’s start under Selles.
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Sheffield United have undergone ‘bumpy’ start under Ruben Selles
The Blades lost 1-0 to Swansea City last time out, where they offered very little threat in front of goal. It saw defensive concerns from the two previous games quieten down, but there was still very little to celebrate for Sheffield United after such a deflating performance.
Following the game, EFL expert Justin Peach, via The Second Tier Podcast, gave an overview of Sheffield United’s season so far under Selles, particularly the struggles in taking over from Chris Wilder.
“It’s been a it’s been a bumpy one, a rough one,” said Peach. “We always knew it was going to be a little bit difficult because of the transition from Chris Wilder.
“I think the easiest way of putting that is Ruben Selles isn’t a local lad who’s grew up watching Sheffield United and he’s not taken to the Premier League before. He’s always going to be difficult replacing that sort of manager, especially one who’s off the back of a record-breaking point tally as Chris Wilder was last season.
“But what you can do in that space of time is build a bridge between supporters, get results and good performances, and ultimately, that’s not been the case.”
Peach then discussed the performance against Swansea City, which showed the Blades as a very unconvincing outfit in front of goal.
“This was a game for Sheffield United where they really underwhelmed. You can make an excuse or maybe sort of justify things a little bit last weekend, because they created a few chances, but they were very blunt here against Swansea.”
Peach continued: “They were better at the back in this one, but let’s be honest, that was a pretty low bar after that Bristol City game, wasn’t it? And you’re right, going forward, they were so poor. A team with that much talent, and they didn’t manage a single shot on target against, with all due respect, a pretty average Swansea side.”
Pressure will be on Ruben Selles vs Millwall
Following three defeats in a row in all competitions from Ruben Selles, it already feels as though the Spaniard is facing a pivotal game this weekend at home to Millwall.
Millwall have just fell to a 3-0 defeat against Middlesbrough, so there will be expectations that Sheffield United can capitalise at home.
If Sheffield United are unable to notch a well-needed win on home turf, things could start to turn for Selles, whether it is justified or not.
A reaction could spark on Saturday if Sheffield United cannot come away with a win, but this should surely be directed towards the owners if they are unable to provide their side with the necessary recruitment.