Manchester United vs Reading live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford
Saturday sees the return of the FA Cup third round, with 25 ties to be played today, starting with Manchester United vs Reading at Old Trafford.
Jaap Stam returns to his former club for the first time since he was abruptly sold by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2001 following revelations in his autobiography.
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It’s a big game for…
Marcus Rashford: United youngster Rashford has made the majority of his appearances off the bench recently and he will be hoping to be given the chance from the beginning here. He made an instant impact to set up Juan Mata’s opener against West Ham in the last game. After jinking his way down the left-wing, he laid it on a plate for the Spaniard. Whether Mourinho believes he merits a start for that performance remains to be seen.
Best stat…
1: Of the two teams’ 18 meetings, Reading have only won one against United – nearly 70 years ago and also an FA Cup tie. On January 17th 1927, Reading celebrated a 2-1 victory.
Remember when…
Back in 2012, in a topsy-turvy Premier League match, Manchester United beat Reading 4-3 at the Madejski. Hal Robson-Kanu put the hosts in front but strikes from Anderson and Wayne Rooney saw United take a 2-1 lead. Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison put the Royals back in front, but Rooney got his second to level proceedings once more. Robin Van Persie then gave the visitors the lead before the break and ultimately handed the three points to United.
Player to watch…
Yann Kermorgant: The 35-year-old forward has scored seven goals in 21 matches this term and has three in his last two games. This includes two late strikes against Bristol City to turn the game on its head last time out. The veteran French striker will be looking to use his flair to weave through the gaps in the United defence, who will have to keep an eye on him.
Past three meetings…
Manchester United 1 (Rooney) Reading 0, Premier League, March 2013
Manchester United 2 (Hernandez, Nani) Reading 1 (McAnuff), FA Cup, February 2013
Reading 3 (Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre, Morrison) Manchester United 4 (Anderson, Rooney 2, van Persie), Premier League, December 2012
Form guide…
MANCHESTER UNITED: WWWWWW
READING: LWLWWW
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 12:30,Saturday 7th January
TV: Live on BT Sport 2
Odds…
MANCHESTER UNITED TO WIN: 1/5
READING TO WIN: 14/1
DRAW: 11/2
(Odds provided by Betfair)
86 MINS
Iwobi cleverly weaves through a sea of white shirts, but the final strike goes straight into the path of Maxwell. He should have done better from such an appealing angle.
89 MINS
GOAL
PRESTON 1 - 2 ARSENAL
Who else but Giroud? The Arsenal man has done it again. The ball goes into the box and Perez cleverly flicks the ball back to Giroud who pokes it home. It brings a sense of desolation to the home side, as it appears to be another late win for Wenger's side.
90 MINS
There will be a minimum of four additional minutes to finish this fixture. Can Preston scrape an equaliser? We'll see.
FULL TIME
Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA-cup, following a somewhat shakey performance here today at Deepdale.
A late goal from Giroud secures Arsenal's place in the fourth round, following a shaky display at Deepdale. The home side broke the deadlock with an early goal from Robinson, which set the pace in the favour of Grayson's men for the majority before the interval. However, the goal just fifty seconds into the second-half from Ramsey gave Arsenal a lifeline and regained their confidence on the pitch.
Preston deserved more from the game, but that's the way the cookie crumbles in the FA cup. They will be tremendously upset that they do not even have a replay, but they can take a number of positives from their performance today.
It's been a classic day, crammed full of exhilarating FA Cup displays. Make sure to tune in tomorrow for coverage of tomorrows fixtures.
That's all from us. Have a fantastic Saturday evening.
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