Sheffield United Manager Issues Rallying Cry Ahead of Millwall Test | OneFootball

Sheffield United return to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon still searching for their first win of the season, with pressure beginning to mount on manager Ruben Selles ahead of a tough test against Millwall.

The Blades turned in a flat display in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Swansea City, where they failed to register a single shot on target. It was another frustrating outing for supporters who have been left stunned at the start of the campaign under the Spaniard.

Millwall arrive in South Yorkshire also looking to bounce back, having been comprehensively beaten 3-0 at home by Middlesbrough. Alex Neil’s side will be determined to produce a response.

Another layer of intrigue to this game is the rumours surrounding Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga, with several reports claiming the Blades are pushing hard to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur defender. Whether he features or not on Saturday afternoon will likely be a tell-tale sign.

Ruben Selles confirmed that Sheffield United will once again be without midfield trio Jamie Shackleton, Tom Davies, and Oliver Arblaster through injury. However, he may be able to call upon two new defensive options.

Blades Bolster Defensive Options

Nils Zatterstrom signs for Sheffield United (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

The Blades have secured the loan signing of Ben Godfrey from Atalanta, bringing the former Everton defender back to English football just a year after his switch to Serie A. In addition, highly rated Swedish prospect Nils Zatterstrom has joined on a four-year deal, further strengthening United’s defensive ranks.

There may also be further developments in the coming days, with experienced centre-back Ben Mee training with the squad as the club weigh up a move for the free agent.

Sheffield United Boss Issues Rallying Cry Ahead of Millwall Test

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Mihailo Ivanovic of Millwall celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Millwall FC at Turf Moor on May 03, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Despite mounting scrutiny, Selles remained upbeat in his pre-match press conference, stressing the importance of positivity and fan backing at Bramall Lane.

“When you work or play for Sheffield United you know that you need to win every match. If not, and it’s consecutive defeats, then you are going to come under massive pressure; we live with that. We can only think positive and we will get the victory,” he said.

“My message to the fans is simple: we need them more than ever. We haven’t had the start we wanted, that is obvious, but that doesn’t change the fact that we need to do our job properly on Saturday with them on our side. There is no success at any club if the team and the fans are not going in the same direction.”

Selles expects a tough test against Neil’s Lions, who he praised for their versatility and set-piece threat.

“Millwall, especially under Alex [Neil], have been really competitive. They can play different formations and pick their time to apply pressure. They sometimes play from the back but can also be direct, with a good structure, especially on offensive set plays.”