Sheffield United Owners Splash Cash on Talented Defender But Blades Need Much More – Opinion | OneFootball

Sheffield United’s new campaign has begun in poor fashion, with Ruben Selles enduring a nightmare start to life at Bramall Lane.

The Spanish coach, appointed in the summer to succeed Chris Wilder, has lost his first three competitive fixtures in charge: A 4-1 defeat at home to Bristol City, a 2-1 loss suffered in the dying minutes away at Birmingham City in the EFL Cup, and a 1-0 defeat away at Swansea City.

Selles arrived with a reputation for tactical flexibility and progressive football, favouring a vertical and fast-paced front-footed style of play. But the Blades’ early-season performances have been disjointed and flat, especially last weekend when they failed to muster up a single shot on target at the Swansea.com Stadium.

While some tactical decisions are up for debate amongst the supporters, it is difficult to overlook the glaring lack of depth and experience at his disposal. Much of the frustration around Bramall Lane stems from a transfer window that promised much but has delivered very little so far.

The squad, on paper, looks thin compared to promotion rivals, leaving Selles exposed and struggling for solutions.

You only have to look at the bench from last Saturday’s defeat in Wales for proof of United’s lack of depth.

Sheffield United Bench vs Swansea City is A Shadow of What it Was Last Season

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, talks to the team following defeat during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Bristol City at Bramall Lane on August 09, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Adam Davies, Sam McCallum, Ehije Ukaki, Sam Curtis, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Owen Hampson, Tom Cannon, Ryan Oné, Andre Brooks.

For a club with promotion ambitions, this is a threadbare set of options. Teenagers and fringe players have been thrown in before they are ready

Compare this with the bench that Chris Wilder had at his disposal for the final league game of last season (against Blackburn Rovers at home):

Femi Seriki, Rhian Brewster, Tom Davies, Harrison Burrows, Ryan Oné, Luke Faxon, Jack Robinson, Tyrese Campbell, Kieffer Moore.

Blades Need More Signings

YORK, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on during the pre-season friendly match between York City and Sheffield United at LNER Community Stadium on July 15, 2025 in York, England. (Photo by Tony King/Getty Images)

There is still time for Selles to steady the ship, and his track record at Reading and Hull City suggests he is adaptable enough to squeeze more out of the group. However, unless the summer window brings genuine reinforcements soon, Sheffield United risk regressing massively in this campaign compared to last term where they finished third, with Wilder earning 92 points.

It looks as though the Blades will be welcoming talented Swedish centre-back Nils Zatterstrom to Bramall Lane, signing from Malmo for around £2 million per multiple reports. But Sheffield United need at least three or four more signings to even look ready to compete.

Championship fans will be keeping an eye on each other’s business in these next couple of weeks in the summer window. Some will be doing it for gambling purposes, ready to place long-term bets on the Championship promotion and relegation battle. There are always betting bonuses to add excitement to the wider football calendar as well.