Slavisa Jokanovic's first Sheffield United starting XI

Five years ago, Sheffield United’s brief tenure under Slavisa Jokanovic was a complete failure.

After Chris Wilder was fired earlier in the year, Slavisa Jokanovic was appointed as the Blades’ permanent manager

in May 2021, ushering in a new era.

The first manager to be born outside of the United Kingdom to lead S2 was Jokanovic, and the incoming manager,

Ruben Selles, will be the second.

With just six victories in his first 19 Championship games as manager, the Serbian manager’s reign at Bramall Lane

ended after just a few months, so Blades supporters will be hoping the Spaniard’s spell is considerably more fruitful.

What are the current activities of every member of the starting lineup who played in the Blades’ first game—and

defeat—against Birmingham City under the now-Saudi Pro League manager?

1. Aaron Ramsdale

Less than two weeks after starting in this match, the England international—possibly the most successful of this

group—left S2 for north London and nearly instantly replaced Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s first choice. In his second

season at the Emirates, Ramsdale competed for the Premier League title but lost to Manchester City. After a year as a

first-choice, he was benched for Spanish custodian David Raya. The next season, he joined Southampton, a

struggling Premier League team, and was relegated to the Championship once more. | Arsenal FC through Getty

Photos.

After playing more than 200 games for Sheffield United, fan favourite Baldock left the team. He was a mainstay for

both teams that were promoted to the Premier League. After his Blades contract expired in 2024, the “Starman”

relocated to Greece, where he played international football, and joined Panathinaikos. When Baldock tragically died

in Athens later that year, Sheffield United and football fans worldwide expressed their sorrow for a player who was

regarded as a beloved, ideal professional wherever he played. Simon Galloway/PA Wire took the picture.

Alongside Baldock, Egan was a member of the team that was promoted to the Premier League; nevertheless, he left

the team after more than 200 games when his contract expired in 2024. Although he was only a bit player when he

signed on a free transfer, he signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Championship rivals Hull City during the

winter transfer window, where he is still currently.

The former England youth international remains with the club and played in last season’s play-off final defeat to

Sunderland. He has been an ever-present since signing under Chris Wilder’s management and will want to continue

that under new manager Ruben Selles.