It’s hard to see a way in which Reading can advance past Manchester United when they meet in the FA Cup on Saturday.
History is firmly on United’s side as the visitors have a bleak record against the Red Devils.
Reading have failed to win any of the last 17 meetings with United (D4, L13), with eight of those defeats coming in the FA Cup alone.
Manchester United are in good form despite their loss to Arsenal. That was quickly forgotten as they powered to a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday.
The Red Devils one step closer to ending their six-year silverware drought but wouldn’t mind making it two cups in one season.
Manager Erik ten Hag was pleased with the response at Forest, stating they “have to do everything to bring a trophy in”.
United have lifted the iconic FA Cup 12 times in their history – second only to Arsenal’s 14.
Visiting manager Paul Ince returns to his former stomping ground looking to restore some confidence. His side haven’t won in the Championship in any of their last 4 games.
Their latest result was a 4-0 thumping at Stoke. Reading may turn to the manager’s son, Tom Ince, to provide firepower as he’s netted six goals this season, five of which arrived after half-time.