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As it happenedended

Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku combine as Manchester United cruise past Reading

Relive all the action from Old Trafford and the rest of the FA Cup third round

Kieran Jackson
Saturday 05 January 2019 15:31 GMT
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Man United v Reading: FA Cup match preview

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's winning start to life at the Manchester United helm continued but the FA Cup third-round triumph against embattled Reading was the caretaker manager's most unconvincing performance to date.

United racked up their fifth straight victory since the Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho, although the Royals provided a test that belied their place five points adrift of safety in the Championship.

Reading arrived at Old Trafford without a win in their previous 10 matches but proved a handful on an afternoon that saw United emerge 2-0 victors thanks to Juan Mata's penalty - after a lengthy video assistant referee delay - and a cool Romelu Lukaku strike.

PA

Relive all the action below

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Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the FA Cup third round!

We'll be keeping you up to date with all the goals as they fly in around the grounds - looking forward to this!  

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 11:47

There's a total of 22 ties taking place today, in three separate kick-off slots. To begin, there's seven matches starting at 12:30 which are:

  • Bournemouth vs Brighton 
  • Burnley vs Barnsley 
  • Manchester United vs Reading 
  • Sheffield Wednesday vs Luton Town 
  • Shrewsbury Town vs Stoke City 
  • West Brom vs Wigan Athletic 
  • West Ham United vs Birmingham City 
Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 11:51

Firstly, the team news from Old Trafford, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has picked a strong side to face Reading, who are second bottom in the Championship.

It may well be a busy afternoon for Jose Manuel Gomes' men with a front three of Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez for the Red Devils. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 11:57

Here's Reading's team for this afternoon's tie.

A notable name for all United fans in the squad, with 37-year-old John O'Shea on the bench for the visitors. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:02

At the London Stadium, Samir Nasri makes his first start for West Ham in a strong line-up named by Manuel Pellegrini as they host Birmingham City. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:06

Here's Birmingham City's team: 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:07

On the south coast, Nathaniel Clyne starts for Bournemouth after completing his loan move from Liverpool yesterday, but there's no space for Dominic Solanke quite yet. 

Bournemouth's line-up in full: 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:10

For visitors Brighton, 38-year-old defender Bruno comes in to captain the side.

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:15

Some of you may remember Manchester United hosting Reading in the third round of the Cup a few seasons back. On that occasion, United ran out as comfortable 4-0 winners, in a game memorable for a howler by goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:23

KICK-OFF: Manchester United vs Reading​ 

Kieran Jackson5 January 2019 12:30

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