Man Utd vs Reading Preview, Team News, Likley Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester United welcome Reading to Old Trafford on Monday night for their FA Cup fifth round clash with a home tie against current holders Chelsea or Championship side Middlesborough awaiting the winners in the quarter finals.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to make a number of chances from the side that secured an impressive 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last week as they look to try and lift the FA Cup for the first time since 2004.

The visitors are in the midst of a relegation battle and while their priority is to remain in the Premier League this season, the FA Cup could pose as a welcome distraction for Brian McDermott’s men.

Reading arrive at Old Trafford in decent form having been beaten only once in their last seven games in all competitions, and they will take heart from the fact they managed to put three past United the last time they met at the Madejski back in December – although they still lost the game 4-3!

Team News

Sir Alex has confirmed he’ll make full use of his squad and make changes for the game. Anders Linegaard, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, Alex Buttner, Nani, Anderson, Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez could all come in with Robin van Persie, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick among the key men likely to be given a rest.

The only player definitely out is midfielder Paul Scholes, who is sidelined with a knee injury and isn’t expected back for another two weeks.

Reading manager McDermott is sweating on the fitness of Mikele Leigertwood and Jimmy Kebe but the pair are expected to be passed fit to play. Striker Jason Roberts is out but Adam Le Fondre and Noel Hunt are pushing for recalls.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite the expected wholesale changes, United’s squad is still packed with quality internationals. Reading should play without fear as they have nothing to lose but I can only see one outcome….a United win. Man Utd 3-0 Reading.

What would your starting line-up be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.