Michael looks ahead to facing Sheffield United
The arrival of Ryan Ledson from Everton gives Head Coach Michael Appleton some interesting options as he prepares his side for the trip to Sheffield United on Saturday.
19-year-old Ledson signed a three year deal earlier today and goes straight into the squad at Bramall Lane.
“What he does is give us an option to tinker with the team a little bit and play with three in midfield if we want to” Michael told Yellow Player HD earlier today. “The reason I say that is because Ryan is a natural holding midfielder and has the patience, know-how and ability to play there and it’s what he is most natural doing. That allows us to play with a three and play the likes of John Lundstram, Liam Sercombe and Joe Rothwell further up the pitch.
“What Oxford fans will find very quickly is that the boy loves a tackle. I know Andy Whing was a favourite with the fans for many years and I’m sure once Ryan makes his first tackle they will like him for the same reasons.“
With Joe Rothwell impressing in Tuesday’s game against Brighton the U’s seem to have plenty of midfield options available:
“There are a lot of games coming up and you are going to need all of those options because the games are going to come thick and fast” Michael said. “You are going to pick up injuries and there will be times during games when you get knocks and injuries or need to mix it up a little bit.”
United will travel north on Friday as they prepare to take on the Blades, one of the bookies’ favourites for promotion this season.
“It’s a big game and they are a bit of a wounded animal at the moment” Michael said. “They are a good side and will be doing all they can to get their first victory on Saturday but that could play into our hands a little bit. If we can get a good start and get a goal ahead then we can add a bit of anxiety about the place and we have to make sure if that happens we capitalise”
See the full interview plus a first chat with Ryan Ledson in Yellow Player HD right now