Ruben Selles puts Sheffield United fears to rest over Michael Cooper’s future, ‘I understand…’

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Sheffield United have already lost some key figures this summer, but Ruben Selles has insisted Michael Cooper is not a player the club is looking to sell.

With Chris Wilder moving on, there was always bound to be a bit of upheaval at Sheffield United this summer, leaving Ruben Selles a tough task to rebuild and regroup ahead of the new campaign.

The new Sheffield United manager has lost Vini Souza to Wolfsburg, but has so far managed to keep hold of both Gus Hamer and Anel Ahmedhodzic; two players who were rumoured to be departing.

There’s been plenty of talk about Michael Cooper leaving, too, with Everton thought to be keen. But, the Blades boss has put that idea to bed this week.

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Michael Cooper’s absence explained by Ruben Selles

Sheffield United continued their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Burton Albion on Tuesday night. The Blades won 2-1 thanks to goals from Wrexham target Kieffer Moore and United youngster Ryan One.

However, many fans were concerned by the fact Michael Cooper wasn’t in the Blades squad for the game. Speaking after the match, Selles explained the goalkeeper’s absence and put any fears to rest.

He said: “The last game was a decision from me to give the other goalkeepers some minutes. Today he felt a bit of discomfort in the knee but he should be back in a couple of days.

“He’s definitely staying, it’s not about that. I understand the concerns because he wasn’t there but it’s nothing to do with that.”

Everton were the club most strongly linked with Cooper. However, the Toffees just gave Jordan Pickford a new contract, which surely spells the end of their pursuit.

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Ruben Selles can’t afford to rock the boat at Sheffield United

Sheffield United were very unlucky not to get promoted last season, and they’ll know that maintaining as much consistency as possible in the wake of their managerial change will be key to their hopes.

If they can keep hold of that integral trio of Cooper, Ahmedhodzic, and Hamer, the Blades will have one of the stronger squads in the division and will fancy their chances of promotion this term.

For Selles, it’s a matter of tweaks here and there to fine-tune the team and get them over the line, rather than doing anything radical this summer.