Sheffield United Boss Speaks After Another Blunt Display: “We need to keep fighting for those moments” | OneFootball

Sheffield United’s torrid start to the season showed no sign of easing as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough, leaving Ruben Selles’ side still searching for their first point.

Middlesbrough Sweep Toothless Sheffield United Aside

Gustavo Hamer in action for Sheffield United against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

The United manager handed a debut to Japhet Tanganga at the back, but it was Boro who almost made the early breakthrough. Sam Silvera cut inside from the left and bent a low strike beyond Michael Cooper’s reach, only to see it clip the outside of the far post.

Tensions soon rose when midfielder Sydie Peck was booked for a reckless challenge after overrunning the ball in midfield. Despite that flashpoint, United began to grow into the contest. Callum O’Hare forced a mistake from the Boro defence midway through the half, with Tyrese Campbell lurking just 10 yards from the Boro goal, though Hayden Hackney was quick to recover and snuff out the danger.

The decisive moment came shortly after half-time. New signing Matt Targett, introduced at the break, wasted little time making his mark. From his left wing-back role, he delivered a pinpoint ball into the path of Tommy Conway who burst past Tanganga and Tyler Bindon, and the forward finished confidently across Cooper to put Boro ahead.

United rallied in the closing stages and carved out a golden opportunity to snatch a point deep into stoppage time. Substitute Ryan Oné showed superb feet on the right to beat his marker and whipped in a teasing cross to the back post, but Sam McCallum blazed over from close range with the goal gaping.

Ruben Selles Disappointed After Sheffield United Suffer Another Defeat

Speaking after the game to SUTV, Selles admitted his disappointment but insisted his team are showing signs of clicking despite results going against them.

“I’m disappointed, of course, with the result and also with the situation that we have been living in. I think the team is trying and we have some of the chances at 0-0, even that chance at the end that we missed. It’s not going for us, but we’re going to keep fighting and keep going and keep trying to fight for that moment that is going to change the dynamic.”

He added: “I think sometimes when you’re in those moments it’s difficult, but I think we looked like a team today. We played against a very good team, we had chances, first half in a 50-50 game and then in the second half until they scored the goal, I think we were the team that were dominant.”

After being asked about United’s struggles to create scoring opportunities, Selles disagreed: “I don’t agree with you on that. You can tell me the opposite but I see that we have our striker in the middle of the goal today to score and our player like Sam McCallum in the second half without a defender in the back post.”

He expanded: “I think chances happen and everyone can miss a chance. In the last game we had two balls cleared off the line, so I think we are creating and the thing is that we are right now in that moment where it’s not going to our side. So we need to keep fighting for those moments.”

Blades Hoping to Keep Gustavo Hamer After Torrid Start

With the first international break now upon us, Sheffield United have over a week to regroup and refocus before travelling to Ipswich Town. Selles will be hoping the pause in league action can reset the mood and provide an opportunity for the team to improve and work things.

But before the return to the Championship, there’s a small matter of transfer deadline day to deal with. The Blades will hope to keep hold of their star player Gustavo Hamer as well as bring in a couple of new faces.