Oxford United want to dominate in League One under new head coach Aaron Ramsey, according to defender Ciaron Brown. The team drew 2-2 with MK Dons on opening day, with Brown scoring a 95th-minute equaliser at the Kassam Stadium. Mark Harris opened the scoring in the first half to put Oxford ahead, but the Dons came back to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Charlie Goode and Aaron Collins. United started and ended the game well under Ramsey, but struggled to contain the physical, high-pressing Dons for large portions. The new boss' style largely differs from their previous tactical setups in the Championship under Matt Bloomfield and Gary Rowett. Brown stated after the game his side's desire to dominate in their return to the third tier. 'Opening day, of course, you want to get off to a good start,' the 28-year-old declared. 'But we're at home; we want to make it difficult for any teams to come here and we want to dominate the ball if it is home or away, but especially at home with all the fans kind of behind you.' Despite difficulties in Oxford's first two competitive matches of the season, Brown insists that he is enjoying the change of playing style. 'If you're asking a football player if they want the ball and stuff like that then, yeah, of course,' he said. 'I think it's different; we were in a different circumstance where we were last year. We were underdogs last year and maybe a bit on the back foot. We had to do whatever was necessary to stay in that league. Unfortunately, we didn't, but a new manager has come in with new ideas and we've just got to believe in what he says. Goals this season: 41 scored, 54 conceded (-13 goal difference). League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 22nd in Championship, 44 pts, 10W-14D-18L from 42 games, recent form WDDLD. Title race: 42 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Burton Albion (away, 2027-02-20).
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Oxford United Want to Dominate in League One, Says Ciaron Brown
Oxford United's Ciaron Brown wants the team to dominate in League One under new head coach Aaron Ramsey after a 2-2 draw with MK Dons on opening day.
