Sheffield United’s decision to part ways with Chris Wilder and move for Ruben Selles has raised eyebrows – but it could prove to be the masterstroke that launches them back to the Premier League.
Chris Wilder’s departure might seem harsh on the surface. After all, he took Sheffield United to within minutes of promotion – only to see it slip away in a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland. Yet in elite football, emotion is rarely allowed to linger. The Blades’ hierarchy have acted swiftly, deciding that to take the next step, a new vision is required. Enter Ruben Selles – a man sacked by Hull City just weeks ago, yet one whose stock arguably remains high among those paying close attention.
While it’s an unexpected appointment, the 42-year-old Spaniard is no stranger to adversity. And if Sheffield United back him fully, their gamble could pay off handsomely.
Proof of Talent: His Reading Revival
Selles’ remarkable stint at Reading should not be overlooked. Taking over a club docked six points and in turmoil off the field, he instilled discipline, purpose and belief. Despite an inability to make new signings, he galvanised a young squad and pushed them up the table. By the time he left, Reading were transformed from relegation strugglers into genuine play-off contenders.
It was a campaign built on resilience, identity, and an intelligent tactical plan. With a points-per-game tally of 1.53 across 78 games – achieved in some of the most testing conditions imaginable – he showed he can build a competitive side against the odds. That experience, far from being a red flag, is precisely why Sheffield United may have found the ideal man for a rebuild with promotion ambitions.
Intensity and Identity: A Clear Vision
One of the most compelling arguments for Selles is that he knows exactly how he wants his teams to play – and communicates that with clarity. Speaking during his time at Hull City, he laid out a plan built on intensity, front-foot pressing, and vertical attacking play. He doesn’t want sterile possession; he wants to win the ball high, break lines, and overwhelm teams physically and mentally.
That clarity is rare – and it matters. Too often, clubs flounder under coaches who react rather than plan. Selles believes in structure. He believes players perform better when they know their role. And crucially, he believes in organisation that breeds energy rather than drains it. For a Sheffield United squad still packed with athleticism and drive, his blueprint could unlock significant potential.
A Coach on the Rise, Not a Spent Force
Selles’ managerial record is sometimes unfairly distilled into surface-level stats – including relegation with Southampton and a brief, difficult spell at Hull. But the reality is more nuanced. At Southampton, he inherited an already-sinking ship. At Hull, he was judged after just 28 games, despite securing survival and showing glimpses of progress. It’s not about where he’s been – it’s about where he’s going.
The Championship is a league that rewards risk-takers – clubs that find the next big thing rather than recycle old names. Selles is part of that next wave. Like Liam Rosenior or Kieran McKenna, he blends progressive thinking with tactical discipline. He’s worked in Spain, Denmark, and England. He’s fluent in modern coaching methods. And if Sheffield United grant him a full pre-season and meaningful input in the transfer window, there’s every chance he can mould a side to challenge.
Sheffield United’s Resources Match the Ambition
This isn’t a Reading or a Hull. The Blades, even post-relegation, remain one of the division’s better-resourced outfits. Their play-off run last season, built on a 90-point campaign, shows the talent base is already strong. Selles won’t be inheriting a broken squad – he’ll be stepping into a side that knows how to win games, but needs fresh ideas to clear that final hurdle.
Importantly, United’s ownership have shown a willingness to make bold decisions. By hiring a relatively young, high-ceiling coach, they are prioritising vision over reputation. That sets the tone for the summer, one in which the club can target dynamic signings to suit Selles’ style. With the right blend of pace, pressers and line-breakers, the Championship may struggle to live with what Sheffield United are building.
Conclusion
The sacking of Chris Wilder will divide fans, but football is about timing, and Sheffield United may just have struck gold. In Ruben Selles, they’re not appointing a saviour; they’re hiring a strategist, one who has shown bravery in the face of chaos and clarity in the midst of pressure.
Given the resources at his disposal and the squad’s potential, this appointment could take the Blades to the next level. If Selles is backed, believed in and allowed to embed his ideas, there’s every chance Bramall Lane will be hosting Premier League football again in 12 months.
