OXFORD United’s 2-1 win at Derby County lifted them into the top six in Sky Bet League One and dispelled any notion the U’s might still be suffering a slow start to the season.
United showed both sides to their game – quick and breathless in attack, while organised and sturdy in defence.
Here are the four key talking points we picked up on from Pride Park.
U’s can beat the best
An impressive transfer window so far has seen eight players arrive through the Rams door, with seven of them at Championship clubs last season.
Add to that a manager in Paul Warne, who has won promotion from League One three times with Rotherham United, and it’s easy to see why Derby were fancied by many to not just go up this year, but to do so as champions.
Liam Manning’s side weren’t fazed though, and were good value for all three points.
The hosts’ key players, including midfielders Max Bird and Conor Hourihane, were unable to impose themselves on the game, and credit for that has to go to the team effort put in by United.
So many to choose from, but who was your man of the match last night? Check out our player ratings here #oufc https://t.co/nECMwGbc1g
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) August 16, 2023
Harris finds golden touch
When after three minutes at Pride Park, Mark Harris scuffed a shot well wide of the target, many of the visiting supporters will have let out an audible sigh.
However, he was then deadly in front of goal to claim a deserved brace.
His first goal came when Cameron Brannagan intercepted a loose pass and played the ball through to the Welsh striker.
Harris took one touch to set himself and then unleased a powerful strike inside Joe Wildsmith’s near post.
The second goal was more about precision, arrowing the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Finishes like these show what Harris has in the locker, and in addition to his match-winning strike against Carlisle United, will do him the world of good.
READ MORE: Liam Manning puts Derby County win among best displays as Oxford United boss
McGuane unleashed
Marcus McGuane was given a first league start of the campaign, after making two appearances from the bench against Cambridge United and Carlisle.
The 24-year-old responded by producing one of his best individual displays for a considerable time.
Rather than playing safe, McGuane was more often looking forward with his passing and constantly kept the ball moving.
He also showed the athletic qualities he has, striding forward with possession to drag United up the pitch.
Improvement at full back
Both Ciaron Brown and Sam Long came in for criticism after the Cambridge defeat, but the pair have recovered well and that was evident against Derby.
The duo were solid defensively, and got forward to good effect.
Their reliability will be crucial if the U’s are to challenge at the top end this season.
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