Andy Thomson on target against QPR in 1998

Following the appointment of Matt Bloomfield, the signings of a number of new players and a decent point against Bristol City on Saturday, it seems that the club is approaching Tuesday’s match against Queens Park Rangers with something approaching optimism. Of course, this is a big test for the new-look U’s who can’t really afford to lose this one.

United’s home record against Rangers is so-so. We’ve won six and lost six of the 15 home game against them, and haven’t beaten them at home since September 1998, when goals from Andy Thomson, Matt Murphy, Joey Beauchamp, and Dean Windass contributed towards a 4-1 win. Mind you, the only other home game since that was last season’s 3-1 defeat.

There do tend to be goals in this fixture, with only one goalless draw in those 15 home matches, way back in 1970. A more notable draw was in March 1986, when the sides drew 3-3 at the Manor, with Oxford’s goals coming from John Aldridge (two) and Ray Houghton. This game was just over three weeks before United’s 3-0 triumph over the R’s at Wembley, and is notable for the nasty tackle on Peter Rhoades-Brown that left him injured for the League Cup final.

Check out all Oxford’s results against QPR HERE.

On This Date

United have played six games at home on 20th January, winning four and losing just one of those.

The most memorable win was in 1988 in the 5th round of the League Cup. The visitors were Manchester United and Oxford won 2-0 thanks to a first-half diving header from Gary Briggs and a strike from Dean Saunders.

The last time United played on this date was in League One at home to Bury in 2018. James Henry’s goal wasn’t enough as the Shakers won 2-1.

HERE are all United’s 20th January results.

The Match

United go into this game with one – and possibly two – new players tucked under their arms. The seven-figure signing of Jamie McDonnell from Nottingham Forest on Monday will possibly be added to by United’s first-ever South Korean (or indeed, any Korean) in the shape of winger Jeon Jin-Woo. Whether either of both of these players will be included is uncertain, although McDonnell is more likely following Yunus Konak’s difficult debut against Bristol City.

There was a lot to like about that Bristol performance, particularly in the second half, with the U’s largely on the front foot and having a lot more possession than usual. The defence and midfield were both solid and up front chances were made, if not taken.

Matt Bloomfield’s second starting XI will possibly be even more interesting than his first go, as it will give us a greater indication of what he liked and didn’t like about his opening game. We know that it won’t include Tyler Goodrham, who’s season has been ended prematurely following an operation, and Przsemysłav Płacheta, who’s injured. Ben Davies and Hidde ter Avest are also probably unavailable, although there have been no updates on their recovery times.

Oxford are facing a QPR side that lies in 11th place following their goalless draw at Stoke City on Saturday. They have won one of their last five league games: a 3-0 demolition of the division’s whipping boys Sheffield Wednesday on 4th January, but they haven’t won away from home since 26th November, when they beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at Ewood Park.

With results elsewhere not favouring United on Saturday, the U’s now find themselves five points from safety, with Portsmouth and Blackburn both on 28 points. It’s not an insurmountable gap by any means, but it’s imperative that Oxford don’t get cast further adrift with some tough February fixtures approaching.

The feeling around the club is that the tide is turning in United’s favour, but that has to be backed up with positive results, starting against QPR on Tuesday evening.

UTFO