KARL Robinson insisted his persistence with 3-5-2 is a case of needs must after a disappointing display against MK Dons.

The head coach warned his side’s fluidity would be ‘parked’ for the Sky Bet League One clash and so it proved, but it could not prevent a 2-1 defeat.

Robinson suggested after Luke McNally’s departure to Burnley in June that he would recruit for a back four and United began the season in a variant of 4-3-3.

RATINGS: Every Oxford United player marked out of 10 for display against MK Dons

Following a spate of injuries, the U’s boss switched to 3-5-2 for last month's Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and he has stuck to that formation with several players still sidelined.

Robinson said: “People can talk tactics, well we tried every type of tactic for the players that we have available.

“We haven’t recruited for this system, but it’s what we have available.

“We’re relying again on young kids to come on and make the difference offensively.

“When Bodes (Billy Bodin), Kyle (Joseph) and Browney (Marcus Browne) don’t get on the front foot and score goals, you turn around and you’re looking for young kids to come and change that.”

James Henry and Ciaron Brown started at wing back against MK, while Bodin partnered Joseph up front.

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

Robinson has long pointed to the absence of injured forwards Sam Baldock, Josh Murphy, Matty Taylor and Yanic Wildschut, but admitted the loss of centre back Elliott Moore has also had a big impact on the way he wants to play.

He said: “We don’t have people comfortable enough to play out at this moment in time.

“Elliott Moore brings an awful lot of that, that’s why we recruited him. Not having that is hard.

“We’ve got players coming back and maybe the system might be a little bit different if we have those players available.

“We have to keep doing the right things, working hard and sticking together, and accepting the criticism that comes along.

“It’s a difficult time for all of us, not just the fans, but for me and my players alike.”

United hope to have Baldock, Moore, Murphy and Taylor available for the League One clash with Charlton Athletic on October 1, their next match.