Selles Wants Sheffield United to Start Games Better And Understands the Fans Frustration Amid Chorus of Boos | OneFootball

The pressure has only intensified on Ruben Selles after Sheffield United slumped to another 1-0 defeat against Millwall at Bramall Lane.

The decisive moment came seven minutes before half-time when Luke Cundle timed his run to perfection, breaking the offside trap to latch onto a Mihailo Ivanovic flick-on. Reacting quickest in a crowded box after a corner had been kept alive, the midfielder swept the ball beyond Michael Cooper to put the visitors ahead.

United were booed off at the interval following a flat opening 45 minutes, but they showed more urgency after the restart. Louie Barry went close with a low drive that Matija Benda pushed away smartly to his right, before Sydie Peck’s header from the resulting corner was scrambled off the line.

The Millwall goalkeeper was again called into action to tip away Gustavo Hamer’s curling effort that seemed destined for the top corner. Moments later, Harrison Burrows rattled the post with a thunderous strike that agonisingly rolled across the goal line before spinning away to safety.

Tyrese Campbell then saw a close-range header cleared off the line by Tristan Crama as the Blades’ frustrations mounted.

Despite creating enough chances to level, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough, and the final whistle was met with a chorus of boos from the home crowd with the resulting keeping them at the foot of the table.

Ruben Selles’ Reaction to Sheffield United’s Defeat to Millwall

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Tyrese Campbell of Sheffield United looks dejected after the teams defeat in the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Millwall at Bramall Lane on August 23, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

After the match, Selles admitted to BBC Radio Sheffield that his side cannot afford to keep starting games slowly.

“It’s a tough one to take. In the first half we were not the team we want to be. The second half was completely different and we played a game of football. We created situations to score and recognised the team we want to be.

“I didn’t change a bit at half-time. It was our application that changed. Right now we are in a tough situation. But we need to show a bit more, especially at the beginnings of games. We can’t wait to go behind before we start [playing well].

“I’m not going to open the book of excuses. It is me as the first one to do my job better, it is always like that. We created enough situations, but it is about how we do it. We have the quality and the positions, but sometimes football is like that.”

Some supporters were vocal at both half-time and full-time on Saturday afternoon, and it’s clear the fan base are feeling frustrated at several aspects at the football club. Selles spoke about the fans booing after the game.

“I understand the frustration when we’re not winning matches. I’m not one to tell them what to do or how to think. Obviously if you’re not winning football matches they have the right to express themselves. It’s something you need to take when you’re working in this profession. Hopefully we can work hard and change our dynamic.”

The Blades face a very tough away trip to Middlesbrough next weekend.