Sheffield United Beginning to Add Quality Depth Ahead of Promotion Push Under Ruben Selles | OneFootball

As Sheffield United prepare for the 2025/26 Championship campaign under new manager Ruben Selles, the message is clear: anything other than promotion this season is not going to satisfy the board.

Despite finishing third last term and leading the Blades to a historic Championship play-off semi-final victory (being the first club to win a Championship play-off semi-final tie by a six-goal margin), Chris Wilder could not get his beloved United over the line in the play-off final against Sunderland. Ultimately, this led to a change in direction in the management and coaching department in June.

Selles is not only tasked with trying to get United back into the Premier League, he is following in the footsteps of a Sheffield United legend. But one thing is for certain, the Spanish manager wants to play the type of football that Unitedites can get behind.

What Style of Play Will Ruben Selles Implement at Sheffield United?

Ruben Selles instructing Sheffield United players in training session. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club – X.com).

Before being announced as the new chief of the Blades, we knew that the 42-year-old likes to play what is known as “vertical tiki taka” football. Essentially meaning a typical Ruben Selles team plays at a high intensity and possesses great dynamism. The Spaniard wants to defend from the front, meaning his team likes to press high as opposed to sitting back.

In possession, Selles likes to have his sides enter the final third as quickly as possible, but in a controlled way – it’s not just hoofing it long and hoping for a flick-on for example.

So far in pre-season we’ve seen some promising signs. Of course, you shouldn’t read anything into pre-season results, but there are always snippets of things that you can take from the performances, such as: how you press, how you beat the press, how you beat a low block, player rotations in the middle and final third etc. And it has to be said, the front-foot pressing has looked good. This will only get better as the players become fitter and more aligned with their pressing triggers.

Blades Beginning to Add Quality Depth

A couple of weeks ago, it looked as though depth would be a big issue for the Blades. But, it is ticking along nicely. United have already signed Tyler Bindon on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest, a player that can potentially cover right-back as well as being a main starting centre-back. They’ve recently announced the season-long loan signing of Aston Villa’s Louie Barry, a sharpshooting style of left-winger, who can also play as a number ten or as a striker.

Now, it appears as though they’ve won the race for Braga’s Djibril Soumare on a season-long loan, a talented defensive midfielder with great athleticism. The report from Portuguese outlet Record states that United will pay a £1 million loan fee, with an obligation to buy for approximately £7.3 million if the Blades secure promotion back to the Premier League this season.

These three signings serve as a reminder to the rest of the league that the Blades mean business; hoping to go one better this term and secure automatic promotion back to the top-flight.

Championship Clubs Readying Squads Ahead of Promotion Pushes & Attempts to Avoid Relegation

With Championship sides jostling for position in the transfer market, football fans will be keeping a keen eye on ingoings and outgoings around the league for their annual pre-season betting on the Championship standings come the end of the campaign. Footy supporters like a punt on who may win the league, finish in the play-offs, and get relegated.

But while traditional bookmakers remain popular, some supporters are now exploring betting with offshore sites for wider odds markets, fewer restrictions, and unique bonuses. Whatever your choice and method of betting, remember to always keep it fun and responsible.