CAMERON Brannagan recognises that Oxford United’s way of playing under Liam Manning won’t always come off in the dazzling way it did against Queens Park Rangers.
The U’s midfielder gave his team the lead in their final pre-season friendly, with a further four goals arriving after half-time.
The second half performance blew away Sky Bet Championship side QPR, ensuring United enter the campaign on a high note.
READ ALSO: Our player ratings as Oxford United thrash QPR in pre-season friendly
Despite the brilliance in that second period, Brannagan was quick to remind supporters it’s the result of hard work in training and that the 46-game league season won’t always run so smoothly.
He said: “We’ve been working hard, a lot of it goes on behind the scenes where we’re practising and working hard.
“Nothing is ever perfect and mistakes will happen, and things will go wrong.
“There’ll be many ups and downs this season but it’s about sticking together as a unit and as a squad, and as a fanbase.
“Hopefully we can build on something good and look forward to next Saturday and the start of the season.”
Brannagan also admitted that at times, the U’s will have to switch up their playing style if they are to get results out of certain games.
“It was very enjoyable but we’ve been working hard and it’s nice to see some stuff that we’ve been working on in training coming out in the game,” said Brannagan.
“It was enjoyable and a great afternoon to see the fans – they were here supporting us in numbers like they always are, and we wanted to repay them and put on a good performance.
“The gaffer’s been great with us, he’s given us that confidence in training and the freedom to play, and that was the way we want to play.
“We want to be comfortable on the ball and enjoy it, and at times, if we have to go long and pick up second balls, then we will do.
“It’s a bit of variation but we’ve shown we’re more than good enough to play the way he wants us to play.
“We need to build on that now and look to next Saturday.”
“What happens today is not just off the cuff, it’s a lot of hard graft.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 29, 2023
Liam Manning was delighted to see hard work pay off in the thrashing of QPR this afternoon #oufc https://t.co/QxcgE9Y1bn pic.twitter.com/D7JaXQ1gXW
The handsome victory against QPR followed a 1-0 win against another Championship side in Swansea City.
“It’s a very good platform but you get nothing from a pre-season game,” said Brannagan.
“We’ve worked in training and took out on the pitch what the manager told us to do, and it’s come good for us.”
He added: “From the bench to the squad, everybody’s pushing each other in training.
“You need a good squad because everybody’s pushing each other in their position.
“That’s the way it should be, everybody’s fighting for a position and everybody wants to play. That’s going to push the team.”
About the author
To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/
Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.
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