Sheffield United: Ruben Selles transfer decision continues to baffle - he'll have serious regrets | OneFootball

Ruben Selles may regret not bringing one man back to Bramall Lane

Even though they aren’t even halfway through the 2025/26 campaign yet, Sheffield United supporters will already feel emotionally drained due to the sheer range of emotions their team has put them through this term.

The Blades entered this season still bruised, having been beaten by Sunderland against the odds in the Championship play-off final. Chris Wilder was dismissed from his position as manager after failing to secure promotion, with Ruben Selles appointed as the man to lead United forward.

This appointment confused some onlookers due to the fact that the Spaniard had previously been in charge of Hull City and just avoided relegation down to League One in that role.

Selles made a number of additions during his transfer window in charge, bringing in operators such as Louie Barry, Tyler Bindon and Japhet Tanganga. As is well known now, things did not go well at Bramall Lane for the former Hull and Reading boss.

The 42-year-old wouldn’t win a single match whilst in charge of United. In fact, he lost all six contests as the Blades’ manager, which left them dwindling at the bottom of the table.

It didn’t take long for Sheffield United to go back on their decision, sacking Selles and reappointing Wilder. When looking back on his nightmare stint as manager of the Steel City side, the Spaniard may regret one decision he made during the summer transfer window.

Ruben Selles may regret Oli McBurnie transfer decision

As previously mentioned, Selles conducted a decent amount of business during the transfer window. However, a number of those players struggled to perform for United, with reports suggesting the likes of Barry and Bindon could have their loan deals terminated early.

There was an opportunity Selles had during the summer to bring a former Blade back to Bramall Lane, in the form of Oli McBurnie.

The 29-year-old decided to leave the Steel City side in 2024 after five years at the club, opting for a switch to Spanish football with Las Palmas. However, after just a single term on the continent, the striker was a free agent once more.

Naturally, reports began to emerge linking McBurnie with a move back to Sheffield United. This looked like a smart piece of business for both parties, with the Blades getting a forward back on their books who had impressed in the past.

The Scotsman was familiar with the Sheffield area and would’ve been able to easily slot back into his old dressing room, but Selles ultimately opted against completing the move.

In came fellow Yorkshire side Hull City, who happily acquired the striker’s services. McBurnie has proved to be a sensation for the Tigers, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 12 Championship matches, and since returning from a calf injury, he's netted in both matches that he has appeared in.

If Selles had a striker in such form heading up his team, he may have scored some victories during his short stint in charge, but alas it was not to be.

This would’ve bought him more time as manager, which the Spaniard could’ve used to further implement his style on the team. In the end, this may have put more points on the board and cemented Selles’ position as manager.

Instead, the 42-year-old decided not to sign McBurnie and had to do without his goalscoring abilities. Ultimately, a choice such as this could’ve cost Selles his job.

Chris Wilder may rue Ruben Selles’ Oli McBurnie decision

Wilder was tasked with dragging Sheffield United up from the bottom of the table after Selles departed, which is a mission he has completed.

The Blades have escaped the relegation zone and sit 18th after 21 matches, 11 points back from the top six, and his strikers are now scoring, with the addition of free agent attacker Patrick Bamford already reaping rewards.

Although there has been a sharp improvement in United’s performances, Wilder would no doubt appreciate having McBurnie’s services to call upon. The pair have worked together successfully in the past and could have struck up another positive relationship.

However, Selles opted against bringing the forward back to Bramall Lane, which may not have been the decision Wilder would’ve taken if he had remained in charge of the Blades, given his liking for the Scotland international and the success they've had.

United don't have to worry about facing McBurnie until April 2026 now when Hull come to Bramall Lane, and who knows what position both clubs will be in at that point, but if he continues his consistent goalscoring form for the rest of the season, then he could be a dangerous man to face come that time.