RUBEN Rodrigues was thrilled to play a major part as Oxford United claimed their first league win under Des Buckingham.
Rodrigues put United in front against Burton Albion just after the midway point of the first half, doubling his tally with seven minutes to go in the second period.
Marcus McGuane added a third goal at the death, as the U’s moved up to third in Sky Bet League One.
“It was a good individual game, and as a team performance, we were the much better team,” said Rodrigues.
“We dominated the ball possession and had a lot of chances, and wasn’t in any danger in the game. It was a good performance.
“For the fans, the players and the manager, his first league win is a massive boost, and we can see him doing well. It’s going in the right direction again.”
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Asked which of his goals he preferred, Rodrigues said his second one, as it allowed United some breathing space after a period of heavy pressure without finding the back of the net.
Rodrigues said: “The second one, we were waiting and waiting, and attacking, and 1-0 is always a bit dangerous, and then when the second went in, it was the cherry on the cake.
“I never stress when I get the ball, it’s a good quality I have that when under pressure, I try and be calm.
“I’m a calm player, I don’t really stress on the ball.”
“He showed his experience, he’s a slightly older player compared to a lot of the other players on the field, and he can manage himself through a game.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) December 17, 2023
Des Buckingham was pleased with Joe Bennett’s first league start for #oufc https://t.co/dEVK7txLYG
A pivotal reason for the three points was a tactical alteration Buckingham made in midfield.
McGuane was utilised as the deepest midfielder, with Cameron Brannagan and Rodrigues pushed higher up the pitch, where they were able to pose a greater goalscoring threat.
Rodrigues said: “It’s a change with a new manager, we play with two eights now, and it went well, so let’s keep it like that.”
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