It proved to be a disappointing evening overall though, with the U’s suffering a tame 2-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
After bringing up 300 games for United, we picked out 10 notable moments in Brannagan’s time with the U’s so far.
READ ALSO: Our player ratings after disappointing defeat for U’s
March 10, 2018
An ankle problem soon after joining from Liverpool ensured Brannagan had to wait a couple of months for his United debut.
He played the full 90 minutes as the U’s were beaten 2-1 at AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League One.
September 29, 2018
After making his debut against the Dons, Brannagan then grabbed his first United goal (and first of his professional career) against the same side.
The hosts ran into a 2-0 lead, and Brannagan halved the deficit just before the break, although there was no second half comeback, as the U’s lost 2-1.
July 13, 2020
Brannagan’s importance to United grew and grew, and he played a significant role in the side reaching the 2020 League One play-off final.
He scored five goals in 30 regular league games, before Covid-19 curtailed the campaign.
The U’s competed in the play-offs when football returned, beating Portsmouth in the semi-finals, before then losing 2-1 against Wycombe Wanderers at a behind closed doors Wembley.
January 2, 2021
A rare inflammation behind Brannagan’s right eye in October 2020 saw the midfielder hospitalised, and he missed three months of football during his recovery.
It was therefore a touching moment when he returned to the pitch, playing the final quarter of an hour from the bench in a 5-1 win at Burton Albion.
January 29, 2022
Perhaps the most iconic moment in Brannagan’s career is his haul of four penalties in United’s 7-2 win at Gillingham.
He doubled the U’s lead with spot kick number one after 12 minutes, and put United 5-0 up with his second and third penalties within a seven-minute window at the start of the second half.
The U’s went 6-1 in front when Brannagan dispatched penalty number four with seven minutes to go, breaking a Football League record.
April 19, 2024
Brannagan’s coolness from the spot has been massive for United, especially at the back end of last season.
His levelling penalty just before the hour mark at home to Stevenage ensured the U’s collected a precious point in their play-off push.
April 27, 2024
Brannagan again needed ice in his veins on the final day of the season, doubling the United lead five minutes before the break at Exeter City.
The 2-1 victory at St James Park ensured a play-off place for the U’s.
May 8, 2024
Perhaps the most high-pressure penalty of Brannagan’s career came deep into first half stoppage time in the second leg of the play-offs at Peterborough United.
It restored the one-goal advantage and gave United the platform to grind out the aggregate victory.
May 18, 2024
After two unsuccessful play-off campaigns, it was third time lucky for Brannagan. There was no luck involved though, as the U’s outclassed Bolton Wanderers in a 2-0 win.
Brannagan was forced off through injury with just over 25 minutes to go at Wembley, but had played an instrumental role all season.
August 10, 2024
Having strived for years to be at the level, Brannagan put in a man of the match display in the Championship opener at home to Norwich City.
He struck the second goal of a memorable afternoon for United, who were deserved 2-0 victors.