Oxford United put in a highly encouraging display against a Manchester United XI only to lose 2-1 thanks a last-minute winner from Nicky Ajose.
More than 6,000 fans turned out to see a United side managed by reserve team coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the visitors were quickly into their stride, Mark Creighton bringing down the dashing James Chester to concede a penalty after five minutes.
Magnus Eikrem struck the ball low to Ryan Clarke's left but the big 'keeper got down well to save and the U's managed to scramble the ball away. United could have taken the lead when captain James Constable outfought two defenders and squared the ball for strike partner Jack Midson but he narrowly failed to make contact. Asa Hall then went close with a free-kick and Matt Green sent a shot over the bar as the U's acquitted themselves well in front of their home fans.
Manchester United stopper Sam Johnstone was almost embarrassed by a Damian Batt effort that stung his gloves but the 'keeper managed to grab the ball at the second or third attempt. At the other end Harry Worley and Mark Creighton stood up well to the visitors' pressure but Eikrem made up for his penalty miss two minutes before the break with a low, drilled free-kick that arrowed under the wall and into the net to send the U's 1-0 down.
However, Oxford were level just a minute later when Simon Heslop made a driving run to the edge of the box and found Matt Green who crossed behind the defence for Constable to thump home.
United continued to create chances in the second half with Heslop at the heart of the action, the midfielder sending a shot over the bar from 25-yards on 65 minutes. Green had the chance to put the U's ahead, going very close after being cleverly played in by Constable, and then Hall sent anther effort wide with seven minutes remaining.
Chris Wilder rung the changes in the final minutes sending on Aaron Woodley, Alfie Potter and Sam Deering in search of a winner but it was United who sneaked a second to kill the game, Ajose finding himself in space to volley home a free-kick in the 89th minute.
