Mansfield Town v Cambridge United: Garry Monk highlights need for improved decision making in quest for first victory of 2024/25 season

Garry Monk believes that improved decision making will give his Cambridge United side the best chance of picking up their first victory of the season away at Mansfield Town tomorrow lunchtime.

The Sky Bet League One U’s are yet to win any of their six matches in all competitions this term, losing on four occasions and drawing twice.

They have also conceded a hefty 14 goals during that sequence, many of which Monk feels have been avoidable.

“We’re all searching for that first win because winning is what the business is all about,” said Monk, who is not expecting to have any of his injured players available for the trip to Field Mill.

“The way we get that win is doing what we’ve been doing when we’ve shown what we’re capable of and taking care of the bits we haven’t done so well.

“It’s been the decision making that has let us down and we’ve highlighted that during the international break, looking at how we can do better in those moments.

“Doing what you do well and focusing on that is what gets you wins – not focusing on ‘oh we’ve got to win’ or ‘we need three points’, that doesn’t do you any good.

“Focusing on what we do and doing what you need to do at your best level and bring that to your pitch, then you always put yourself in a good position to win games.

“Some of the defeats we’ve had have felt like they’re in our control. It’s not stuff that an opposition side has done, it’s more ourselves that didn’t control the moment and make the right decisions in that moment.

“We’re looking to be stronger at all of that because we know that will provide a better opportunity to win games.”

Newly-promoted Mansfield have picked up five points from their opening four fixtures back in League One, leaving them sitting 14th in the table.