New midfielders Dan Barlaser and Ryan Wintle made an immediate impact for Milton Keynes Dons, providing the assists in a 2-1 away win over Oxford United to open the League One season. Head coach Paul Warne praised the pair's performance after what he described as quiet pre-season showings.
Barlaser, a free transfer signing this summer, delivered a precise cross for Charlie Goode's headed equaliser. Just five minutes later, Wintle set up Aaron Collins for the winning goal. Both players started the match at the Kassam Stadium, having also featured in the Carabao Cup defeat to Norwich City the previous week. Their contributions helped secure three vital points on the road.
How did the new midfielders perform?
Dan Barlaser operated as a deep-lying playmaker, taking over the role from the departed Liam Kelly. Warne highlighted his composure and passing range, calling him a "great addition" to the squad. Ryan Wintle covered significant ground across the pitch and had already scored his first goal for the club in the cup match against Norwich. Their ability to influence the game from the centre of the park was a key factor in the comeback victory. This midfield solidity will be important as the season progresses, and fans can track the team's form on our stats page.
What did Paul Warne say about the performance?
The MK Dons manager was pleased with how his new signings raised their level for the competitive fixture. "When the real ball comes so to speak, you see your real players," Warne told the Milton Keynes Citizen. "I thought Dan was excellent, I thought Wintle the same covered every bit of grass." He also noted that some players were cautious in pre-season friendlies to avoid injury, making their league debuts a truer test. Warne additionally praised the performances of other summer signings Cohen Bramall and Sam Nombe for their contributions in the match.
Where does this win place MK Dons?
The opening day victory gives Milton Keynes Dons a perfect start with three points. Early momentum is valuable in a 46-game League One season where consistency is key. The team currently sits near the top of the standings, though the table will naturally evolve over the coming weeks. Securing points away from home, especially against rivals like Oxford, is a positive sign for the campaign's ambitions. The next challenge will be to build on this result at Stadium MK.
What is the context of the squad rebuild?
This summer has seen significant activity, with Barlaser and Wintle arriving on free transfers to bolster a midfield that lost Liam Kelly to Peterborough United. The club's recruitment has focused on adding experience and specific qualities to compete in the third tier. Integrating several new players quickly is a challenge, but the early evidence from Oxford is promising. Supporters can view the full roster on our squad page. The depth available will be tested throughout a long season that includes cup competitions.
The immediate focus shifts to preparing for the next league fixture. Building on a winning start is essential for confidence and league position. The performance of the new midfield duo provides a solid foundation, and their continued development alongside existing players will be watched closely. The team's schedule is packed, and you can see the upcoming matches on our fixtures list.
