Manchester United’s bid to win their first trophy since May 2017 continues when they host Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday night.
The Reds Devils have not tasted success since beating Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League final six seasons ago but have a great chance to end their trophy drought this season. They are expected to beat Reading and progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Yet their opponents will be keen to upset the odds. The Royals, who are managed by legendary United midfielder Paul Ince, are 14th in the Championship but just five points outside of the play-off spots. Ince knows a victory at Old Trafford could kick-start their promotion push.
Here is everything you need to know about Saturday night’s clash…
When is Man Utd vs Reading?
United will welcome Reading to Old Trafford for the FA Cup fourth round clash on Saturday, January 28. The tie is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm (UK time).
The Red Devils have a tremendous record against Reading – winning their last six encounters in all competitions. Their most recent meeting was in January 2019, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side defeated them 2-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. Reading have beaten United just once in their history – a 2-1 FA Cup win in 1927.
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Getty Images)
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Getty Images)
Who do you think will win this game? Let us know in the comments below!
What channel is Man Utd vs Reading on?
For viewers in the UK, United vs Reading will be shown live on ITV4 from 7:15pm. Coverage will also be available on ITVX, ITV’s new streaming platform.
Highlights of United vs Reading – plus Friday’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal and all of Saturday’s other FA Cup ties – will be shown on a special edition of Match of the Day on Saturday night. Coverage starts on BBC One at 10:50pm.
Man Utd vs Reading odds
United vs Reading odds from Betfred:
- Man United – 1/7
- Draw – 13/2
- Reading – 14/1
*odds subject to change.
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Man Utd vs Reading team news
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Marcus Rashford is fine after the England international was forced out of their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night with a knock. “We had already planned the substitute,” insisted the United manager.
That is bad news for Reading boss Ince. He told reporters on Thursday: “To see him [Rashford] doing what he does best is great for fans. He’s unstoppable right now. We can’t be thinking about stopping him, it’s about us putting in a performance.”
Ten Hag will also welcome Harry Maguire back into the squad after he served a suspension against Forest. The United skipper is likely to start against Reading, with Ten Hag expected to rotate his squad ahead of the second half of their Premier League campaign.
One player who is pushing for a recall is Jadon Sancho, who is back in first-team training having not played since October. Axel Tuanzebe is also fit after a lengthy lay-off, while Luke Shaw is a doubt after missing the Forest win with a virus.
Diogo Dalot (hamstring) and Antony Martial (leg) are yet to return to training and are unlikely to be involved on Saturday. Donny van de Beek is out for the season with a knee injury.
Ince will be without former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who is nursing an ankle injury and will return in February. Defenders Naby Sarr (foot), Liam Moore (hamstring and knee) and Dam Hutchinson (achilles) will also miss their trip to Old Trafford.
Ince added: “It looks like Ten Hag has raised the standards there. You’re trying to guess what team Ten Hag will put out. We’ll have to prepare for the atmosphere too. That’s something a lot of the players won’t have experienced before.”
