MARCUS McGuane understands Oxford United fans’ frustration after the 2-1 defeat to Lincoln City made it three defeats in four Sky Bet League One games.

The U’s left themselves too much to do after going in at the break 2-0 down, with Cameron Brannagan’s penalty all they had to show for their second-half efforts.

Some sections of the home support booed as the players walked off at the interval and McGuane accepts the criticism.

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The midfielder said: “It’s justified, the first half definitely wasn’t good enough.

“Being 2-0 down at home is something none of the boys take lightly and we were all gutted inside.

“In the second half I felt like we came out a different team, we probed and there are some positives we can take.”

The U’s dominated possession after the break but could not convert from open play as several chances went begging.

It continued a concerning start to the season in front of goal, with United scoring just twice in their first four League One matches.

McGuane said: “I don’t think anything fell our way, but in football you create your own luck.

“We need to carry on believing in ourselves. I think there are a few things we can tweak as a team and hopefully we can tweak them and get good results.”

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The 23-year-old added: “One of our great strengths last season was we knew we could outscore opponents.

“This season it’s not really fallen into place and it’s something we need to work hard at.

“The attackers breathe goals, so I’m sure they’ll come through soon.”

McGuane has been the shining light of the first few weeks of the season, starring in a deeper midfield role.

It followed a frustrating 2021/22 for the Arsenal youth product as he struggled to break into the first team following a long-term thigh injury.

McGuane was voted man of the match against Lincoln and is keen to build on a promising start to the campaign.

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He said: “The personal accolades are great, but the main thing is the three points.

“I know what I can do, last season I didn’t show it at all.

“I struggled coming back from my injury and got injured again, then just played catch-up, so it was a difficult season.

“I know what I can bring to the team, so I’ll stick at it and hopefully positive results follow.”