Oxford United manager Liam Manning has emerged as one of the managers Bristol City are looking to replace Nigel Pearson, according to reports.

Pearson was relieved of his duties on Sunday and Bristol Live has since revealed that Manning is on the Robin’s radar to take over at Ashton Gate.

The sacking came after a defeat to Cardiff City on Saturday left them 15th in the Championship, with just five wins in their first 14 league games this season.

Robins chairman Jon Lansdown and technical director Brian Tinnion referencing results before adding the next manager will be a “progressive” and attack-minded head coach in an interview after the Pearson sacking.

Manning joined the U’s in March steering the club to safety last season after taking over in a difficult position.

He has now got United flying with his side currently second in League One after 15 games.

The 38-year-old was previously at MK Dons, taking over the Buckinghamshire side in August 2021, leading to them third in Sky Bet League One during his sole full season.

In the play-off semi-finals that season, MK Dons were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers.

However, he was sacked earlier last campaign with the team second from bottom and enduring a run of just one win from 11 league games.

Prior to his time at MK Dons, Manning was previously in charge of West Ham United’s Under-23s and then Belgian side Lommel SK.

At West Ham, he helped oversee the emergence of England midfielder Declan Rice.

On Pearson’s dismissal after two-and-a-half years in charge, Lansdown said: “This was a difficult decision to make as we recognise and appreciate how much Nigel has done for the club over the past two and a half years on and off the pitch.

“Nigel is highly respected by the staff and players and has been very supportive of the academy structure and our women’s team.

“We all wanted Nigel to achieve our ambition to be promoted but, with our recent results, feel that now is the time to make a change to give the club the best possible chance of success.”