Manchester United successfully navigated their way past Reading to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup, extending their winning streak at Old Trafford to 11.
As expected, the hosts were dominating possession and threatening the Reading goal. Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford each came close to finding the breakthrough from direct free-kicks, and Tom Holmes made a crucial intervention to deny Wout Weghorst from close range.
Ultimately, it proved to be a frustrating 45 minutes for the Red Devils, failing to turn their 79% possession and 15 shots into anything tangible.
To their credit, the Championship side made a strong start to the second half, but United’s quality eventually showed. Antony played a defence-splitting ball through to international teammate Casemiro, who lifted over the helpless Joe Lumley. Still reeling, Reading’s chances of progression were swiftly dealt another blow when Casemiro netted a second in three minutes, bending in an effort from distance.
Having performed admirably, the hinges threatened to come off for Paul Ince’s side, and an avoidable pair of bookings for a frustrated Andy Carroll immediately preceeded a third goal for the hosts, as Fred provided a deft near-post flick.
Fortunately for the travelling fans, substitute Amadou Mbengue nodded in a late consolation from a corner, giving them something to cheer about as they bow out of the FA Cup, while United continue in their pursuit of a first piece of silverware in six years.