LIAM Manning says now is not the time to panic after Oxford United lost their first two games of the season.

The opening day 2-0 defeat at Cambridge United was followed up with by a 5-1 hammering away to Bristol City in the Carabao Cup.

The losses have dampened the pre-season optimism brought about by early activity in the summer transfer window and friendly wins against Sky Bet Championship sides Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers.

United head coach Manning though has called for calm as his team prepares for their first home game of the season, against Carlisle United tomorrow afternoon.

READ ALSO: The key talking points from Oxford United’s dismal Carabao Cup exit

The 37-year-old former MK Dons boss said: “There’s so much football still to play.

“All the good work that we have done in pre-season and all the bits we have learnt, it’s now about not panicking and being rash with how we feel on things.

“It’s about understanding that things don’t click straight away, it’s around process and understanding your job within the team and making sure you carry that out with discipline.

“It’s definitely not a time to panic. Of course I want a reaction and I want to seep people step up and deliver, and execute, and that’s what I’ll be looking for on Saturday.”

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