Sky Sports Pundit Claims Sheffield United Players “Unconvinced” By Selles’ Approach Ahead of Visit to Ipswich | OneFootball

Friday evening sees Ipswich Town welcome Sheffield United to Portman Road in a fixture that already carries extra weight, despite the season being only weeks old.

Both sides have struggled to find their footing in the Championship, with the Tractor Boys yet to record a victory and the Blades still searching for their first point.

Many tipped Ipswich as favourites to mount a serious promotion challenge this campaign, with bookmakers placing them among the frontrunners for the title. Yet reality has been less convincing. Three draws and a defeat from their opening four matches has left Kieran McKenna’s side languishing in the lower echelons of the table.

A further blow arrived this week as key forward Sammie Szmodics revealed on social media that he had picked up an unspecified injury during international duty with Ireland. His availability for Friday’s game remains uncertain, but all associated with Ipswich will be desperate to see him declared fit.

“Underwhelming” Ipswich Town Host Bottom of the League Blades

Pundit Jobi McAnuff summed up their predicament on the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

“Ipswich Town have been underwhelming so far, given the quality of their squad. When they came up, there was clear structure and strategic planning in their signings, bringing in Championship-level experience to hit the ground running.

They have lost key players like Delap and Hutchinson, but the talent they retained should be more than capable. So far, the team has lacked rhythm and the smoothness in possession we expect from Kieran McKenna’s sides.”

Sky Sports Pundit Claims Players “Unconvinced” By Selles

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, talks to the team following defeat during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Bristol City at Bramall Lane on August 09, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

United have endured an even tougher start. The Blades sit bottom of the table, winless and pointless after four matches under Ruben Selles.

Concerns have been raised about the tactical direction under Selles thus far which has brought a lack of stability in midfield, and a lack of creativity going forward. The Blades are currently ranked joint second-lowest for shots on target per game with 2.50, only Friday’s opponents Ipswich Town and Birmingham City are worse. Meanwhile, they are fourth on the list for shots on target against (5.25).

After their recent defeat at Middlesbrough, McAnuff had his say on Sheffield United’s poor start:

“Ruben Selles fronted up after the Middlesbrough defeat, which deserves credit, but saying you are the man for the job is not enough. The way the team is being set up raises real concerns. At Middlesbrough, Sydie Peck was left isolated as the lone holding midfielder, with Gus Hamer and Callum O’Hare pushed on, leaving them far too open. Against a side with strong midfield control, it was tactical naivety. Players looked frustrated and unconvinced by the approach.”

Much of the early season’s frustrations have been directed towards the owners. Firstly, because they decided to part ways with fan-favourite and boyhood Blade Chris Wilder, who won United 92 points last season before falling at the final hurdle in the play-offs. Frustrations grew even more when Sheffield United started the campaign off with extremely poor depth, particularly at the back. Now though, this has been resolved after United brought in a conveyor belt of defenders in the final days of the summer transfer window.

14 new players arrived at Shirecliffe across the summer window whilst nine players exited the door. The defence has been almost entirely reshaped and that can hopefully lay the foundations for the rest of the team to go and attack teams.

Sheffield United Could Change How They Set Up Against Ipswich Town

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup first round match between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on August 13, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The sheer number of centre-backs potentially hints at a change in formation to a back three. Whether that is the plan, we shall find out on Friday evening. It would be a logical move, especially with United having attack-minded full-backs in Harrison Burrows and Femi Seriki.

Moving to a back three with a wingback system would also help the midfield area as Sydie Peck, who has struggled this season filling the role as a number six, will have slightly less defensive responsibilities. The question would then be: who would you pair Peck up with? The obvious choice right now would be Djibril Soumare, who not only adds natural balance to the team with him being left-footed, but he is the natural ball-winning midfielder. Again, this would help out Peck.

In more advanced areas, Gustavo Hamer and Louie Barry could be deployed as number 10’s with license to float wide if needed, and Barry would have the pace to run beyond the striker from deep.

Friday’s team sheet will be interesting to see. But one thing is for certain, United needs a good performance and a positive result. Continuing this trend of poor performances, failing to have shots on goal, and then ultimately losing by a goal, would dig Selles’ hole even deeper.

Stats taken from Opta.