After Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Manchester United’s attentions now turn to the FA Cup, where they will face Reading.
United were drawn at home against EFL Championship side Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The game against the Royals is an important one for United and Erik ten Hag, who has repeatedly in press conferences said that United have to win every game and it will be no different against the Championship side.
United reached the fourth-round after seeing off Premier League side Everton 3-1 in the third round, whilst Reading beat fellow Championship side Watford 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on the 7th of January to set up a tie against Manchester United in the next round.
The game against Reading will be a good opportunity for ten Hag to give some minutes to those who have not featured heavily of late, which means that the likes of Harry Maguire, who was suspended for the game against Forest as he has picked up two yellow cards in the Carabao Cup, Fred, Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho may feature for United on Saturday.
It remains to be seen whether Diogo Dalot or Anthony Martial will be available for the game against the Royals, but it would be wise not to rush them back. However, even though it is important that United look after Jadon Sancho as well as possible, I would think about playing him in the second half against the Royals, which will give him and United a huge boost.
The game against Reading, who are managed by Paul Ince, will take place at Old Trafford on Saturday the 28th January, with the game scheduled to kick-off at 8pm under the lights and the game will be shown live on ITV Sport for those in the UK.
