How Sheffield United chiefs really feel about Ruben Selles after nightmare start to season

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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal the feelings among the Bramall Lane hierarchy about the Blades boss’ future.

Sheffield United have been on a downward spiral after their Championship play-off final defeat to Sunderland.

In fact, the Blades’ winless start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign and Sunderland’s positive start back in the top flight has left the two play-off final foes 38 league places apart.

After Ruben Selles was appointed to replace Chris Wilder, Sheffield United were tipped as Championship title favourites, but the Blades have lost their opening four league games under the Spaniard, leaving them rock-bottom amid the international break.

Now, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal how the Sheffield United chiefs are feeling about under-fire head coach Selles.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United star made ‘selfish’ decision in move to Bramall Lane which ‘was best’ for his international career

Exclusive: How Sheffield United chiefs feel about Ruben Selles

After four consecutive league defeats for the Blades, conceding seven and scoring just one goal in the process, Selles’ Sheffield United future is in question.

A turgid start to the season for last term’s third-place finishers has seen things turn toxic at Sheffield United, with supporters making their feelings known on Selles.

Some Sheffield United fans want Selles sacked after only a short time in charge, akin to how Bayer Leverkusen have quickly pulled the trigger on Erik ten Hag.

Unfortunately for those begrudged Blades supporters, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal thanks to information from our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, they may have to wait a little longer to see Selles depart.

Bailey explained: “There’s no deadline with it. I’m not sure I would describe it as a vote of confidence, but clearly the hierarchy are not blind to the situation; it hasn’t gone as planned.

“I am told they will give him time, but it’s not an endless thing for him. He’s going to have to produce results, and produce results quickly.

“I don’t think he’s one defeat away from the sack or anything like that, but he can’t continue as it is. And he hasn’t got much credit in the bank when it comes to Sheffield United.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
22	Oxford UnitedOxford United	4	0	1	3	4	7	-3	1
23	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	4	0	1	3	3	9	-6	1
24	Sheffield UtdSheffield Utd	4	0	0	4	1	7	-6	0

“He’s only new and has no history with them. The squad is clearly more talented than what they’re showing.

“So yes, it’s a concern. I think he’s got more than one game, but how much more than that? We’ll see.

“Obviously, everything’s a results business in football, so he needs to turn things around pretty quickly from what I understand.”

• READ MORE: Forget Chris Wilder, COH Sports sanctioned major departure that condemned Sheffield United to failure

Sheffield United’s summer signings could save Ruben Selles’ job

Although the feeling among the Bramall Lane faithful is far from pleasant, the impressive late summer signings ought to bring some renewed optimism for the post-international break run of games.

Japhet Tanganga is Sheffield United’s key signing, and after a “significant” outlay for the former Millwall centre-back, his experience and quality at the back should help plug the Blades’ leaky defence.

After Louie Barry arrived on loan from Aston Villa earlier in the window, the Blades completed another loan swoop with the capture of Chiedozie Ogbene from Ipswich Town.

Although veteran defender Jack Robinson left Sheffield United for Birmingham City, the additions of Ben Mee, Nils Zatterstrom and Atalanta loan Ben Godfrey will certainly help mitigate his exit.

Surely, the only way is up for Sheffield United, but they will face an extremely tough test when they return to Championship action at title-hopefuls Ipswich on Friday evening.