Corcoran had his contract cancelled by mutual consent at Oxford

Former Oxford defender Michael Corcoran has backed Darren Patterson's managerial ability ahead of United's game against his current club Rushden.

Corcoran, who left Oxford in January, believes Patterson has the skills needed to motivate his squad.

He told BBC Oxford: "He is a very good man manager, he is very honest guy and I liked working with him."

"I had to move on, but I hope things work out for him, obviously just not on Saturday," the 20-year-old added.

Patterson is under heavy pressure after United slipped to an embarrassing defeat at Lewes, leaving the club 20th in the Blue Square Premier.

Northern Ireland Under-21 international Corcoran joined Rushden in January.