Forget losing Gus Hamer, Ruben Selles has grave Sheffield United concern that must be quashed

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Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles will be very wary over one issue that would cause more concern than the potential departure of Gus Hamer.

The Blades appointed Ruben Selles as Chris Wilder’s successor this summer, with new American owners COH Sports going down a new route.

There is plenty of pressure on Selles to perform with this Sheffield United squad, with such expectations being created by COH Sports’ dissatisfaction with a 3rd place finish before losing the Championship play-offs.

Sheffield United were tipped to win the league by the OPTA supercomputer, but such a fate appears difficult after the disappointing transfer business by the Blades.

With just weeks left of the transfer window, Sheffield United are facing one major concern, something that would potentially eclipse the likely departure of Gus Hamer.

• READ MORE: Ruben Selles will hope Sheffield United ‘threat’ can turn the Blades around, it is desperately needed

Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles has a squad unfit for promotion push amid defence concerns

It was clear and obvious, following Sheffield United’s defeat to Bristol City, that pre-season preparations had not gone swimmingly. The Blades did not reflect a team that would be gunning for promotion this season, and that is down to their inability to replace Anel Ahmedhodzic so far.

Many Blades fans have pointed fingers towards Ruben Selles’ tactical set-up at Sheffield United as the reason why his side were constantly carved open by Bristol City, but the Spaniard managed to deliver consistent and successful defensive performances during his half-season with Hull City.

Selles has criticised Sheffield United’s recruitment, and there is no doubt that he was alluding to the threadbare defensive options he has to utilise.

Sheffield United have the looming concern of losing Gus Hamer, arguably their most influential player, but that is far less daunting than their current crisis at centre-back.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United ‘wasting’ £200m opportunity as COH Sports transfer masterplan analysed

Ruben Selles’ defensive record at Hull City

After taking over Hull City in December, it was clear that Ruben Selles had an enormous task on his hands to solve the Tigers’ attacking woes, whilst also putting a plug on the amount they were conceding under Tim Walter.

Selles did successfully tighten up the defence, and went on to concede just 27 goals in 27 games in charge of the Tigers, which is a brilliant record for a side that looked likely to suffer relegation when he took over.

With the commanding Charlie Hughes at centre-back, who Sheffield United attempted to sign this summer, he was able to provide stability at the back for Hull City. 

It is clear that Selles has a plan that could be successful at Sheffield United, but he desperately requires the backing to perform.