LIAM Manning will resist the temptation to make wholesale changes when Oxford United begin their Carabao Cup campaign tonight.

The U’s travel to Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City in the first round of the competition, marking Manning’s first cup game in charge after becoming head coach in March.

Many bosses use the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to give squad players and young prospects valuable minutes, however Manning is keen on getting a reaction from his side after their opening day defeat at the weekend.

READ ALSO: Liam Manning says opening day defeat reinforces where he wants to strengthen

He said: “There are elements where I want to see a response from people that are still in the team, or certain units or sections of the team.

“Beyond that, there will be a few changes – not wholesale changes but a few changes to provide opportunity.

“We’ll make some tweaks and some changes, but at the same point, we’ll have to keep an eye on a few and look after a few.”

Witney Gazette: Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

Manning says he will take the Carabao Cup seriously, adding: “I want to win. I go into everything trying to win. I think that’s ingrained in you, it has to be.

“I don’t take anything we do lightly and that’s why the depth of the squad, I’m really pleased with.

“I still know we need to add maybe one or two, but in terms of the depth and quality we’ve got, and being able to make changes, which when I look at the back end of last season, was quite challenging at times.

“We didn’t have that depth so the actual squad itself is in a much better place.

“It’s now about opportunity and making sure players step up and grab that opportunity.

“Week to week, we make sure every player is clear on their roles so that when we do make changes, and you saw that at the weekend, the lads came on and gave us a bit of a lift in the last 15 or 20 minutes.

“I want that competition and I want people to give me a headache ultimately.”

United faced the Robins in pre-season just over a fortnight ago, with both sides fielding altogether different line-ups to the ones which began the regular campaign.

The U’s fell to a 4-1 defeat behind closed doors, and Manning has been impressed by the work done by opposite number Nigel Pearson.

“What Nigel and his staff have done there over a period of time has been terrific,” said Manning.

“If you look at how they’ve evolved in the last few seasons, I’ve really enjoyed watching them.

“The intensity is terrific and the way they attack, the quality and speed of it is really good.”

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get: 

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website 
  • Advert-light access 
  • Reader rewards 
  • Full access to our app