Oxford United bounced back from their recent winless run with victory over Lincoln in League One.
Elsewhere this week, both the senior and youth teams saw progression in the FA Cup and there have been a couple of off-field incidents to discuss.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Lincoln Win, FA Cup Progress and Championship Interest in U’s Head Coach
Manning On Saturday’s Dismissal
Head coach Liam Manning has been speaking on the red card he received during Oxford’s draw against Wycombe.
Manning, who has never even been booked during his managerial career, was dismissed by referee Sebastian Stockbridge after the Chairboys were awarded a second spot kick of the game.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “I was hugely surprised to get the red card. Of course, I said a few bits, but nothing I didn’t think was that bad.
“I’ve heard a lot worse recently from opposition managers in games, so I was really surprised.
“I have to look at myself as well, in terms of for the future. I’ve spoken a lot about role modelling, and I’m quite calm, so it was a bit of a surprise.”
He added: “I’ve never even been booked in a game, so that’s why it’s even more of a surprise.
“Most officials, I have a huge amount of respect for and I try not to get too involved.
“At the weekend, of course, I said a couple of bits that I shouldn’t have, but nothing to the extent where it warrants a straight red.”
Portsmouth Postponed
Oxford’s League One fixture at home against leaders Portsmouth has been postponed due to international call-ups.
The fixture, which was due to take place on Saturday, November 18, will be rescheduled for a later date.
Win Over the Imps
Oxford returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory on the road against Lincoln.
Ciaron Brown gave the U’s a first-half lead, heading home from a corner, before the Imps goalkeeper fumbled a Stanley Mills cross to double the visitors’ advantage.
Liam Manning’s side move back to within three points of league leaders Portsmouth.
Oxford United U18s Progress in FA Youth Cup
Oxford’s U18s beat Bridgwater United in the first round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night.
The young U’s won 3-0 at Court Place Farm with goals from Aidan Elliott-Wheeler, Leo Snowden and Harrison Bradney.
Manning Linked With Championship Job
Liam Manning emerged as a potential candidate to replace Nigel Pearson at Bristol City, according to the Bristol Post.
Pearson was sacked last Sunday and the Championship club are looking to move quickly in appointing a new manager.
Manning, who joined the U’s in March following Karl Robinson’s dismissal, helped guide the U’s to safety.
The 38-year-old had previously reached the playoffs with MK Dons in the 2021/22 season but was beaten by Wycombe in the semi-final.
Injury Update
Sam Long has been ruled out got a “few weeks” after picking up an ankle injury during the win at Lincoln, Liam Manning has confirmed.
The defender was forced off early during Oxford’s 2-0 win but Manning said the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “The big positive is that there is no fracture.
“He had a scan and it showed no break, so that’s good but it’s not just a case of letting it all settle down and assessing the full extent of the damage.
“We do know it’s going to take a while but a fracture would have taken a lot longer, so we’ll take that as a positive.
“Stephan Negru and James Henry could be available again though,” he added. “And Kyle Edwards and Marcus Browne are making good progress now. Hopefully we’ll see them back around the squad before the end of the month”.
Oxford United Progress in FA Cup
The U’s ended the week with a win over Maidenhead in the first round of the FA Cup.
A Billy Bodin brace against the National League side saw Oxford progress to the second round.
Liam Manning, who was serving a one-game suspension following his dismissal in the Wycombe game, rotated his squad ahead of a league fixture against Leyton Orient next week.
Oxford will face the winner of the match between Slough and Grimsby in the second round.
