Sheffield United have parted ways with head coach Rubén Sellés, just three months into his tenure, following a catastrophic start to the 2025–26 Championship season.
The club announced the decision on September 14, 2025, after Sellés’ side suffered a 5–0 defeat to Ipswich Town, leaving them at the bottom of the league without a point from their opening five matches.
The loss also marked the club’s fifth consecutive defeat, a run that has raised serious concerns among supporters and management alike.
Sellés, 42, was appointed as Sheffield United’s head coach on June 18, 2025, replacing Chris Wilder, who had led the team to the Championship play-off final just months earlier. Despite the promising foundation left by Wilder, Sellés’ tenure has been marked by a series of disappointing results.
Under his leadership, the Blades have scored only one league goal and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the first round by Birmingham City. Critics have pointed to tactical decisions, such as the benching of star midfielder Gustavo Hamer, as indicative of Sellés’ struggles to adapt to the Championship’s demands.
In an official statement, Sheffield United’s board acknowledged the disappointing start to the season and the need for change. “Following a review of recent performances, and taking into account the feelings of supporters, the timing of the change has been made to give the club the best possible opportunity to improve the current league position,” the statement read. The club expressed gratitude to Sellés for his efforts but emphasized the necessity of a managerial change to reverse the team’s fortunes.
The decision to part ways with Sellés has sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly given the brevity of his tenure. His previous managerial roles include stints at Southampton, Reading, and Hull City, where he faced challenges in achieving consistent success.
Sellés’ departure from Hull City in May 2025, despite securing the club’s Championship status, was indicative of the high expectations placed on managers in the league.
In the wake of Sellés’ dismissal, Sheffield United are reportedly in advanced discussions to reappoint Chris Wilder as head coach. Wilder, a lifelong fan of the club, previously led the Blades from League One to the Premier League, achieving a remarkable ninth-place finish in their first top-flight season.
His tenure ended in March 2021 following relegation, and he was brought back in December 2023 to steer the team away from the Premier League relegation zone. Although he was dismissed in June 2025 after narrowly missing out on promotion, Wilder’s potential return is seen as a stabilizing move for the club.
Sources close to the club suggest that Wilder is expected to resume training duties on Monday and could make his third managerial debut for Sheffield United against Charlton Athletic next Saturday.
The club’s board is reportedly confident that Wilder’s experience and deep connection with the club will provide the necessary impetus to turn the team’s season around.