READING FC will be hoping to cause an FA Cup shock this weekend when they visit Old Trafford to play Manchester United in the fourth-round.
The Royals have beaten United just once in the club’s history, in 1927 in the FA Cup.
Throughout the years there have been several individuals that have represented both clubs either as players, coaches, or in some cases both.
Paul Ince
The current Royals boss had an immensely successful six-year spell with Man United.
Having made the move from his boyhood club West Ham United to join United in 1989 under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ince went on to make 281 appearances for the club in all competitions.
During his time in Manchester, Ince won two FA Cups, in 1990 and 1994. He also got his hands on two Premier League titles, helping United to back-to-back titles in 1992/93 and 1993/94.
Jaap Stam
The Dutchman made a huge impact during his four seasons as a player at Man United and was on the brink of taking the Royals to the Premier League as a manager.
Stam joined United from PSV Eindhoven in 1998 and won three Premier League titles.
He was also a pivotal part in the team that clinched the treble in 1999 , winning the league, FA Cup and Champions League.
Stam was appointed as Reading manager in 2016 following the departure of Steve Clarke.
He enjoyed a remarkable first season in charge and led Reading to a third placed finish on 85 points to see them qualify for the play-offs.
After defeating Fulham in the semi-finals, Reading suffered a heartbreaking defeat at Wembley Stadium in the play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield Town.
His second season was a far cry from the success of the first, and after a run of just one win in 18 games with the team in 20th, Stam was sacked.
John O’Shea
After progressing through the Manchester United Academy, the Republic of Ireland defender had a fruitful 12-year spell.
He broke into the team and became a regular in the 2002/03 season, helping United pip Arsenal to the Premier League title.
He became a valuable squad member for Ferguson’s side and played a total of 393 games for United, winning five league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Champions League.
After leaving Sunderland, O’Shea joined Reading on a one-year deal in 2018. He made nine Championship appearances before he retired from playing.
After announcing his retirement, O’Shea was appointed as part of Mark Bowen’s coaching staff in 2019. He left the club in July 2021 and is now part of Stoke City’s coaching team.
Paul McShane
The defender progressed through United’s academy, and despite not making a first-team appearance for them, he went on to have a solid career at the top level.
After playing for Sunderland, Hull City and Crystal Palace, McShane joined Reading in 2015.
The centre-back played 103 times for Reading during a four-year spell in Berkshire.
He is now back at Man United as a professional development phase coach.
Tyler Blackett
Another product of the United academy, Blackett made a total of 12 first-team appearances, including 11 Premier League games for Louis Van Gaal’s side in 2014/15 before he departed the club.
After a series of loan deals, Blackett found a permanent home at Readinga after being purchased by Stam.
He was part of the Royals team that made it to the play-off final in 2017, playing 34 league games that campaign.
He played a total of four seasons in Berkshire, racking up 122 appearances in all competitions before leaving on a free transfer to join Nottingham Forest.
The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving FC Cincinnati in 2022.
