Sheffield United transfer demand issued - "I am very concerned" after Bristol City | OneFootball

Blades boss Ruben Selles will have plenty of thinking to do on his opening-day evidence

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

It was a nightmare start for Ruben Selles as Sheffield United manager over the weekend, with his side succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Bristol City.

The game came as Selles’s first competitive game in charge of the Blades, and ended with the Spanish coach berating his players on the pitch after the final whistle to broadcast his intense displeasure at the result.

It followed the recent sale of Anel Ahmedhodzic, widely perceived as the best defender at the club, with Jack Robinson also absent amid a mooted move to Wrexham, according to The Sun.

Given the poor start, we asked our United fan pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble, whether he's now concerned about the season ahead, and what needs fixing.

Defensive reinforcements needed for Blades following Bristol City result

Speaking to Football League World, Jimmy said: “I am very concerned, as is the majority of the fanbase.

“I think it was expected that we would be weaker in defence because it's the week that we sold our best defender, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and we were expecting to go with Jack Robinson and Tyler Bindon.

“Jack Robinson's not been available; there's been speculation as to why he's been unavailable. Some say injuries, some say there’s speculation about a move to Wrexham.

“But we went with recent Rhys Norrington-Davies, and he's a left back by trade and unfortunately, since having a really bad injury, he's not really been the same player since and asking him to play that position is really difficult.

“So yeah, we were exposed. We also had a very attack-minded midfield, which left very little protection for that vulnerable back four.

“It certainly wasn't a 4-1 game, in my opinion, but Bristol City more than deserved the victory, and it was more our attitude that was a concern, certainly after we went three and four down.

“So, lots to do. And what needs fixing as a priority? We need two central defenders and possibly a right-back to at least shore up that backline.”

Sheffield United desperately need experienced heads

With the absence of Robinson, club captain throughout last season, out-of-position Norrington-Davies currently stands as United’s most experienced defender at just 26 years old, in front of 25-year-old gloveman Michael Cooper.

The trend in English football at the moment is to sign talented young players in the hopes of developing them, but it is clear to see that the Blades are missing vital experience on the pitch to knit those prospects together.

Added to that was the lack of protection ahead of them, as pointed out by Jimmy, with 20-year-old Sydie Peck left to screen the young back four on his own, with five attack-minded players ahead of him.

On paper, it looks like a side that could give away too many chances, and that’s exactly what happened when the Robins visited Bramall Lane.

Despite the Blades dominating the ball with 74 percent possession and 20 shots at their opponents, a lack of experience and structure at the back left the Robins looking likely to score with every chance they created, which they pretty much did, having only clocked five shots on target.

Selles may need to rethink the protection he’s affording his backline, but the main focus of the Blades, if Robinson is to leave, is adding some experience into their defensive unit.