Sheffield United have sacked Ruben Selles after a poor start to the Championship season. Chris Wilder is reportedly close to returning for a third spell as manager. Selles’ departure follows a 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town, with the team currently at the bottom of the league.
Sheffield United have terminated the contract of their head coach, Ruben Selles, following a dismal start to the Championship season. The decision comes after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Ipswich Town on Friday, marking their fifth consecutive loss and leaving the club languishing at the bottom of the league table.
The Blades' disappointing form is a stark contrast to their performance last season when they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing the play-off final 2-1 to Sunderland at Wembley. That defeat ultimately led to Chris Wilder's departure, with Selles, formerly of Southampton, Reading, and Hull City, appointed as his successor.
However, Selles' tenure at Bramall Lane proved to be short-lived. Despite the club's high hopes for the Spaniard, he failed to turn their fortunes around. The season began with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Bristol City, a team they had previously dominated in the play-off semi-finals. This was followed by three consecutive 1-0 defeats against Swansea City, Millwall, and Middlesbrough, further exacerbating their position at the foot of the table.
The heavy defeat to Ipswich Town was the final straw for the Sheffield United board, who announced Selles' departure on Sunday. The club released a statement thanking Selles for his hard work, but ultimately deemed a change in leadership necessary to salvage their season.
As the dust settles on Selles' exit, speculation is rife about his replacement. According to reports, the club is on the verge of reappointing Chris Wilder for a third spell in charge. Wilder's return would be a dramatic move, given that he only left the club three months ago. However, his previous success at Bramall Lane makes him an appealing candidate to steady the ship and guide the team back to promotion contention.
Wilder's first stint at Sheffield United was a resounding success, as he led the club from League One to the Premier League. He masterminded a remarkable ninth-placed finish in the 2019-20 season, with the team even briefly flirting with European qualification. However, his second season in the top flight was less successful, and he was eventually dismissed after a poor start to the campaign, which culminated in relegation under Paul Heckingbottom.
Heckingbottom was sacked midway through the 2023-24 season, and Wilder returned but was unable to prevent them dropping to the second tier again. However, there is a feeling that a permanent appointment might see a return to former glories under the English manager.
The potential return of Wilder has been met with excitement by many Sheffield United fans, who remember his previous achievements with fondness. His passion, tactical acumen, and understanding of the club's culture make him a popular choice to take the reins once again. If appointed, his first game in charge could be at home against Charlton Athletic next Saturday, providing an opportunity to make an immediate impact and reignite the team's promotion ambitions.
The Blades' official Twitter account posted:
After a disappointing start to the EFL Championship campaign, Rubén Sellés has been relieved of his duties as manager.
The board of directors wish to thank Mr Sellés for his hard work.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 14, 2025