Oxford United boss Liam Manning reacts to win at Fleetwood Town

Stanley Mills, Billy Bodin and Kyle Edwards all struck spectacular efforts as the U’s made light work of a Cod Army side playing under new boss Lee Johnson for the first time.

United’s 3-0 victory in Lancashire lifted them to third in Sky Bet League One, a point behind early leaders Exeter City.

Head coach Manning said: “It’s not an easy place to come, especially with the manager change as well and that unpredictable element.

“Port Vale was a tough one to take so in terms of how we’ve responded and come together to bounce back, it was a professional performance.

“They were high-quality moments, the goals. What we’ve got is a variety of attacking players that can chip in.

“We don’t want to be dependent on one person to score 20 or 25 goals. Everybody has to chip in and play their part.”

Manning had a difficult decision to make with Jordan Thorniley available again following a spell out with injury, however in his absence, Stephan Negru has arguably been one of the club’s standout players.

“I’m not always going to get them right, I’m quite clear on that,” said Manning.

“I think we were quite clear in the plan. Steph’s been incredible and he’s going to play a huge part for this season and beyond.

“He showed an incredible reaction. He was hugely disappointed and I had a chat with him about it.

“I think it was one with balance with the left footer, being able to play the depths and play through midfield – having a left footer that side was quite important.”

With Mark Harris suspended and Gatlin O’Donkor injured, Manning also had a dilemma up front, and opted for midfielder Bodin over Leeds United loanee Sonny Perkins to lead the line.

“People have performed well and earned credit. There are so many games still to come and so many moments where he’s [Perkins] going to get an opportunity,” said Manning.

“Like all of them, he’s just got to keep his head down and be ready when called upon.”