Oxford United concluded their pre-season campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Spanish side Malaga, leaving head coach Gary Rowett largely content with the team’s current trajectory as the new season approaches.

The dominant performance saw the U’s secure a comfortable win at home against the Spanish second division opponents. Stan Mills opened the scoring before halftime, followed by a Cameron Brannagan penalty and a close-range effort from Elliott Moore in the latter stages, sealing an impressive result.

Despite the handsome scoreline, Rowett emphasized that there remains significant work ahead for the squad. He admitted to addressing the players at halftime regarding the need for increased energy in certain phases of play, acknowledging the balancing act of preparing for the upcoming league fixtures.

The manager expressed satisfaction with many aspects of the performance, highlighting good moments and promising connections developing amongst the players. He noted that the team is still in the process of “honing things down,” recognizing that perfection is a gradual achievement, even several games into the new season.

Rowett underlined the overall consistency demonstrated throughout their pre-season schedule. While acknowledging the less-than-ideal outcome of the Bristol Rovers game, he pointed to early missed opportunities in that fixture, reiterating his general approval of the team’s preparatory phase.

One standout performer against Malaga was Tyler Goodrham, whose bright display certainly caught the eye. Rowett specifically praised Goodrham’s return to “real sharpness” after a period of illness, indicating his strong form heading into competitive matches.

The manager anticipates a compelling internal contest for starting berths this season, particularly mentioning the burgeoning competition for positions. He believes that the players are “chomping at the bit” for opportunities, suggesting a healthy and competitive environment within the Oxford United squad.

As Oxford United looks forward to the season kick-off, the coaching staff remains focused on continuous improvement, building on the positive foundations laid during their pre-season endeavors. The Malaga victory serves as a strong confidence booster, signaling the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.