Aaron Ramsey likes Oxford United squad quality in League One opener

The U’s take on newly-promoted MK Dons at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup last week.

Ramsey is looking for his first competitive win in charge of United after being appointed head coach in June.

Oxford were hit with a transfer embargo weeks later which has seen them not be able to register any new players in the summer transfer window.

Despite this, the former Arsenal man is confident of his side’s quality ahead of the new league season.

“There were a few players missing from the last squad, but I feel like this squad is why I came here, to work with them,” Ramsey stated.

“I’ve been really impressed with the quality throughout pre-season, and also a chance to see the younger boys coming through.

“That was evident in the last game, seeing so many of them finish the game and having that opportunity.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan (Image: Oxford United)

“They deserved that opportunity as well.

“Seeing that the academy’s in a good place with some really good youngsters coming through.

“Everybody’s got a part to play this year, and that’s going to be so important.”

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Oxford face a well backed Dons side who have invested heavily summer and are expected to compete at the top end of the table after promotion from League Two last season.

Under experienced manager Paul Warne, Ramsey’s Yellows will have a tough challenge in their first fixture.

“They’re very well drilled in what they do.

“We’re going to have to be really active tomorrow, doing all the things out of possession as well.

“It’s going to be really key for us to get that sort of control on the game.

“It’s just for us to show courage.

Oxford United’s Tyler Goodrham (right) and Ipswich Town’s Kasey McAteer battle for the ball (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

“Show courage on the ball, be exciting, create opportunities and use that really good energy around the place to express ourselves.”

The former Wales international confirmed in his pre-match press conference that last season’s Player of the Year, Stan Mills, is to join Championship club Preston North End in January after heavy interest from the Lilywhites this summer.

The winger was absent from the squad at Orient last week but is set to be available for selection on the opening day.

Midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker is also ready for action; he did not feature at Brisbane Road either and did not make an appearance in pre-season.

“They have both trained,” confirmed Ramsey.

“I’ve just come in from training now, but me and my staff will go through that and put a squad together.

“Both trained this week and are available for selection.”