Sheffield United’s best XI after a hectic summer transfer window leaves Ruben Selles no excuses

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On paper, it’s really hard to work out why Sheffield United are struggling so much right now, given the fact Ruben Selles has a pretty impressive squad to choose from.

There were always going to be some teething problems for Ruben Selles after stepping in to replace Chris Wilder at Sheffield United, but no one anticipated it would be quite this difficult.

Sheffield United have endured their worst start to a season in 30 years now with four straight league defeats leaving the Blades bottom of the Championship table.

Still, given the fact we saw 14 new Sheffield United signings this summer, you’d think there would be enough quality in Selles’ squad to be competitive from the get-go. So, here’s the best XI for Sheffield United right now, just in case the Blades boss wants some help selecting his line-up.

• READ MORE: Four potential Ruben Selles replacements Sheffield United could turn to as Danny Rohl ruled out

Who makes Sheffield United’s best XI after busy summer transfer window?

Michael Cooper

One of two players who you’d have to describe as irreplaceable for Selles right now is Michael Cooper in goal. He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship last season, keeping 21 clean sheets out of 43 appearances. Aside from Viktor Johansson at Stoke City, Cooper is probably the best in the division for his position now.

Japhet Tanganga

While he predominantly played at centre-half for Millwall, Japhet Tanganga started his career as a right-back at Tottenham Hotspur, and it may be that he has to return to that role for the Blades. Tanganga could be the most important signing for United, with his top-level experience and versatility making him well-placed to be the key man at the back for the Blades’ new-look defence.

Ben Godfrey

Letting Anel Ahmedhodzic go this summer was a mistake, but signing Ben Godfrey to replace him may well go a long way to fixing that error. The former Norwich City and Everton man has lots of experience, athleticism, and reads the game really well. In short, he’s the best centre-back Selles has now.

Mark McGuinness

A last minute deal to sign Mark McGuinness stunned the blue half of Sheffield, with the former Wednesday man joining the Blades from Luton Town. He will face competition from the likes of Ben Mee and Nils Zatterstrom, but McGuinness just about has the edge.

Harrison Burrows

He was one of Sheffield United’s best players last season, and Harrison Burrows now has the job of helping this fledgling Blades defence find its feet as a unit this season. While Tanganga will offer physicality and stability on the right, Burrows is far more likely to deliver creativity down the left side, which could be crucial for Sheffield United’s struggling attack.

• READ MORE: How Sheffield United chiefs really feel about Ruben Selles after nightmare start to season

Callum O’Hare

Ruben Selles likes to play a 4-3-3 formation, which is a stark difference to Wilder’s system. While the new Blades boss has been told to change things up, there’s a good argument to be made that Callum O’Hare should always have a place in the starting line-up. He’s got impeccable vision and movement, and is bound to serve up plenty of goals and assists as one of two playmakers in the United midfield.

Djibril Soumare

One criticism aimed at Selles is that Sheffield United’s midfield is too open, especially with Sydie Peck in the middle. They can solve that quite easily by putting the more dynamic and disciplined Djibril Soumare into that central trio, to act as the anchor man that will allow O’Hare and Hamer to roam forward.

Gustavo Hamer

Despite intense interest from PSV Eindhoven on deadline day, Sheffield United refused to sell Gus Hamer, and it will prove to be the best decision they made all summer. He was officially the best player in the Championship last season, and once he gets up and running again this term, we’ll surely see the Blades improve as a result. Make no mistake, Hamer is the most important player in this squad.

Chiedozie Ogbene

With the departure of Rhian Brewster and the end of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s loan spell, Sheffield United needed a new right wing option, and Chiedozie Ogbene is the perfect fit. Ogbene is hungry to succeed at Sheffield United, with international aspirations on the line, and he could well be crucial to turning around the failing forward line at Bramall Lane.

Danny Ings

Speaking of failings, Sheffield United really didn’t recruit effectively in attack this summer. Ryan One is not ready to lead the line and Tyrese Campbell is simply not clinical enough. Enter, Danny Ings. Signed on a free transfer, Ings is the kind of player who could and probably should be bagging at least 15 goals this season, if he can stay fit (and that is a big if).

Louie Barry

Of all the signings made this summer, Louie Barry arriving on loan has the potential to be the most exciting of them all. He was on fire for Stockport County in the first half of last season, before being recalled and sent to Hull City, where injury hampered his progress. If Barry finds his rhythm soon, Sheffield United’s Championship rivals will be very worried.