MANCHESTER United secured their spot in the FA Cup Fifth Road, romping to a convincing 3-1 win over Reading on Saturday night.
The Reds thought they had snatched the lead in the 34th minute after Marcus Rashford headed home at the back post, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
Despite maintaining parity until half-time, Reading conceded twice in quick succession ten minutes after the restart, with Casemiro grabbing an impressive brace.
A frenetic couple of minutes saw Andy Carroll receive his marching orders for a late tackle on the Brazilian moments before Fred added a third.
Paul Ince’s men grabbed a consolation goal through Amadou Mbengue.
Joe Lumley 6: Was fortunate not to get found out after some questionable distribution. Did well to keep out a moving Rashford free-kick early on.
Junior Hoilett 6: Had the unenviable task of handling Rashford, but acquitted himself well. Took a blow to the nose but braved it out.
Andy Yiadom 6: Was lively on both ends of the pitch. Did well to earn his side the corner which led to Reading’s goal.
Tom Holmes 7: Made several heroic last-ditch interventions to keep the home side at bay. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Tom McIntyre 6: Never got to grips with United’s runs from deep.
Baba Rahman 5: Struggled to contain Antony down United’s right. Was sparingly offered opportunities to venture forward.
Jeff Hendrick 6: Was never really able to get the ball down and play. Couldn’t hinder the Reds’ midfield fluency.
Mamadou Loum 4: Didn’t really know when to go with Fernandes or Casemiro. Poor in possession.
Tom Ince 6: Brought his typical energy to the game, but was often chasing shadows. Had more joy in advancing the ball in the second half.
Andy Caroll 4: Was starved of any real service, but two moments of ill-discipline saw the striker receive a deserved red card.
Lucas Joao 5: Did his utmost to get the ball to stick, but ultimately couldn’t affect proceedings.
Subs:
Tyrese Fornah 5: Had an opportunity to pull the trigger inside United’s box but opted to go backwards.
Amadou Mbengue 6: Will be delighted to have grabbed a goal at Old Trafford.
Dean Bouzanis: N/A
Michael Craig: N/A
Shane Long: N/A
Unused subs: Dann, Meite, Azeez, Guinness-Walker
