LIAM Manning is set to be appointed head coach of Oxford United, the Oxford Mail understands.

The former MK Dons boss, who was sacked by the Buckinghamshire side in December, is believed to be finalising a deal to take over the U’s, with an announcement due this afternoon.

It is understood Manning will bring his former Dons assistant head coach Chris Hogg to United, while interim caretaker coaches Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown will remain at the club.

Manning took over the Dons in August 2021, leading them to third in Sky Bet League One.

In the play-off semi-finals last season, the club were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers.

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

Prior to Dons, the 37-year-old 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.