The U’s have lined up in a 4-3-3 formation for the vast majority of the season, a system which sees one holding player in the centre of the park sit behind two attacking-minded midfielders.

United though switched to a 3-4-2-1 set-up for the visit of Hull City.

Although the Tigers were mostly in control during the first half, right wing back Hidde ter Avest grabbed the opener 10 minutes into the second period, with the goal proving the difference between the two teams.

The new formation saw Ben Nelson, Elliott Moore and Ciaron Brown line up from right to left at centre half, with ter Avest and Greg Leigh at wing back.

Josh McEachran partnered Will Vaulks in midfield, with Idris El Mizouni and Tyler Goodrham tucked in as two No 10s behind Dane Scarlett up front.

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U’s head coach Buckingham said: “I thought with the players we had available, it was a stronger way of going about what we did.

“Will Vaulks has been used to at Sheffield Wednesday over the last couple of seasons playing with two sixes, so him being one and having someone alongside him.

“I felt with the game, there’s Josh McEachran’s ability to get around the pitch, and they would complement each other extremely well in front of Elliott.

“There were times when Ciaron would have to step out or Ben would have to step out, which would leave space, so having that protection in front of them was very important.

“And then it allowed us to bring Tyler Goodrham back inside. When I arrived here, he was a left winger or right winger.

“We moved him inside, and for me, that’s his best position. It allowed us to keep him in there, so he was in there with Idris.

“It then allowed Dane to try and run channels, and stretch the backline a little bit.”