Oxford United boss Liam Manning reacts to defeat at Wigan Athletic

Stephen Humphrys gave the Latics the lead when he finished off a swift counter-attack after 17 minutes, before a Callum Lang free kick 10 minutes from time ended any hopes of the U’s maintaining their six-game unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One.

United head coach Manning was disappointed by the way his team didn’t take advantage of the control they had on the game, with the U’s boasting 65 per cent possession at the end of the match.

He said: “It’s hugely frustrating. We’ve made loads of progress and build-up in how we control games.

“There were periods tonight where they allowed us to do that, but at the same point what you then don’t do is give them anything and unfortunately that’s what we did.

“What you don’t do is lose the game by giving away cheap goals. Out goes the whole game plan ultimately.”

Read the match report here

Manning added: “The back and midfield I was really pleased with. There were some terrific moments where we built through them and caused them real problems.

“I thought some of the play was excellent to be fair and then what you have to do is get the reward at the end of it, whether that be care with the final pass, real conviction or getting bodies in the box.

“That was the bit that was lacking. As has happens in football, you work on certain areas and I think it’s about adding layers to it and progressing.

“I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Wigan in terms of how Shaun [Maloney, Wigan manager] set them up. They’re difficult to break down and unfortunately it feels like one of those where we beat ourselves a little bit.”

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The loss at the DW Stadium followed the 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool, a result which saw United concede a stoppage time equaliser to end a five-game winning streak in the league.

Manning said: “I know the group are hugely frustrated and disappointed, but at the same point, I know they’re hungry, driven and ambitious.

“It’s not about getting emotional. Of course it should hurt tonight but we’ll be back at it.

“That’s the biggest bit in this league when you’ve got so many games. If you do carry emotional hangovers and start to feel sorry for yourself, then you’re going to be in trouble in the next game.”

He added: “The bigger picture is that we’ve had a good start and we’ve shown before that we can bounce back from losing games.

“The challenge is to lick your wounds and suck it up, and get ready to work.”