Sheffield United fans must be fuming with transfer decision made by Ruben Selles - Chris Wilder admission makes things worse | OneFootball

The decision to sell Kieffer Moore is looking even more costly for the Blades

Sheffield United's early-season woes continued into November, with the Blades succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against Derby County at Bramall Lane.

After looking as though Chris Wilder's side had taken two steps forward with back-to-back victories over Watford and Blackburn Rovers following the two-week October international break, the Blades have since reversed such roles following defeats against Preston North End and the Rams.

Over the course of the season's opening three months, many have assessed several factors as to why the South Yorkshire side have drastically fallen ever since missing out on an instant return to the Premier League in May when Sunderland came from behind to defeat them in the Championship play-off final.

Unsurprisingly, the main portion of blame has been pointed at Wilder's successor and predecessor, Ruben Selles, who oversaw a disastrous three-month tenure in S2 after being named as ownership group, COH Sports' first-ever appointment since taking control of the club last December from Prince Abdullah.

The Spaniard oversaw a major squad reshuffle in the Steel City following his June appointment, and one which was extremely data-driven at that.

After suffering heartbreak in North London, it was expected that high-profile names such as Vini Souza and Anel Ahmedhodzic would attract interest, as proven by their moves to Wolfsburg and Feyenoord respectively.

However, one departure which is proving more and more costly with each passing week is that of Kieffer Moore, who served another reminder as to why for Wrexham on Friday night, whilst Wilder, once again, lamented his side's attacking shortcomings.

Ruben Selles' decision to sell Kieffer Moore has been costly for Sheffield United

In this day and age, it's hard to look past Moore when it comes to an all-round centre-forward who has 'worn the T-shirt' at Championship level for many years.

As such, it was viewed as a major coup when United landed his services from AFC Bournemouth last summer on a three-year contract.

The aforementioned Wilder was immediately able to get the best out of the striker, who was utilised as a focal point for several reasons beyond being an archetypal 'target man' in a new-look side.

Capable of running the channels, dropping deep and stretching defences, Moore netted six goals in 30 appearances for the Blades last term, whilst also forming a key partnership with Tyrese Campbell.

Therefore, it came as a surprise when Selles sanctioned his departure to the newly-promoted Red Dragons for what is proving to be a bargain £2m.

Throughout his opening 15 games in all competitions under Phil Parkinson, the 52-time Welsh international has scored nine times and posted a further two assists, with his strongest performance of the season coming against league leaders, Coventry City on Friday night.

Indeed, it was a 'perfect hat-trick' from the 33-year-old, who was assisted as many times by Josh Windass, which ended the Sky Blues' record-breaking, unbeaten start.

Meanwhile, less than 24 hours later, United were given a masterclass in finishing by Derby's Carlton Morris, who netted a hat-trick of his own in the 3-1 success, leaving the Blades to rue the fact only five of their 15 shots were on target, and for Wilder to cut a frustrated figure post-match.

"We have to find a way. We haven't got a big centre-forward to go straight into," he explained.

"We have to work our way through the pitch, as you've seen, due to the personnel we've got, and we have to play in a particular way.

"You've seen it on the pitch, we haven't got anything to go into and sling it into the box," Wilder added.

Chris Wilder will be eyeing Sheffield United attacking reshuffle in January

It is glaringly obvious that, besides a handful of technically-gifted creative forces, United aren't doing anywhere near enough when it comes to the final product at the top end of the pitch, with Wilder clearly looking to make the requisite changes to his attacking department come January.

This was particularly evident through the admission that a document had been filed ahead of his side's 1-0 defeat to Hull City last month, and even more so when Louie Barry and Tom Cannon were omitted from the squad altogether against Derby, with Wilder stating it was a selection-based decision.

The 58-year-old has sung the praises of Danny Ings for his professionalism and work-rate, but the experienced striker is yet to find the back of the net for his new side, whilst Campbell continues to look a shadow of his former self with just three goals in 13 league appearances thus far.