(Credit: Imago/Sky Sports)

Jack Heath

Sat 9 August 2025 19:25, UK

Ruben Selles has erupted on the touchline as his side were blown apart in front of his eyes by Bristol City in their opener of the Championship season.

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After failing to secure promotion to the Premier League after losing to Sunderland in the play-off final, the Blades go again to try and get back into the top-flight.

Unable to succeed last time out, Sheffield United sacked Chris Wilder after his second spell at the club, replacing him with ex-Hull City manager Selles.

The Spaniard has struggled during his time in England and his side were thrashed by Bristol City as they got revenge.

City were smashed 6-0 on aggregate by the northern side in the play-offs semi-final, so the result is a pleasant redemption arc for the side.

Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images

The Blades let the game slip during the second half on 9 August at Bramall Lane as the Robins racked up the goals, silencing the home crowd.

The goal to put the visitors 4-1 up was a comedy of errors as Scott Twine’s deflected shot looped in over the keeper which infuriated Selles on the sidelines.

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Cameras caught him frantically gesticulating to his players for better organisation in the wake of the calamitous goal as United fans stared on in complete disbelief.

It didn’t have the desired effect as City closed out a thumping opening day win.

Football Insider verdict

Despite finishing last season on 90 points, a usual promotion total if it wasn’t for the greatness of Leeds and Burnley who both netted 100, letting Wilder go is a daft decision.

It is already backfired by turning to a shambolic manager in Selles who has underperformed and struggled during his time in England.

Southampton suffered under his leadership, Reading weren’t much better and Hull City were nearly relegated due to his poor tactics.

Team managedWin %Southampton17%Reading45%Hull City31%Ruben Selles doesn’t have an excellent record as a manager in England (Source: Fotmob)

It is quite unbelievable how a side that dominated Bristol City 6-0 in the play-offs have now been destroyed no more than three months later.

If this is an advert for the way the Spaniard is set to play for the rest of the season, Blades fans should brace themselves for a bumpy ride this year.

With Southampton, Ipswich and new boys Wrexham and Birmingham in the mix, promotion is a dream that looks oh so far away.

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