FA Cup | Manchester United vs Reading | 5 Talking Points

#2 United midfield did not have a good game

Manchester United v Reading - FA Cup Third Round

Solskjaer decided to give all his three first choice midfielders rest by starting Pereira (CDM), McTominay (RCM) and Fred (LCM). The players in the midfield probably were not in their natural position. If Fred would have played at the RCM position instead of LCM and since he is a left footed player, he would probably have involved himself more in the attacks from the RCM position. Pereira as CDM was a disaster. He seemed to try too much and that cost his team many times as he was dispossessed time and time again. As for McTominay, he could have played at the CDM position instead of RCM. Defensively, he was good but he barely contributed anything while going forward. He could have done better at the CDM position.

To conclude, all three of the midfielders will need to put perform better if they want to play more in the first choice team.

#3 Jones-Darmian centre-back pairing got the job done

Manchester United v Reading - FA Cup Third Round

Jones was expected to start but due to injuries to other centre-backs, Darmian partnered Jones in an unfamiliar centre-back position. Both Jones and Darmian played well and stopped the Reading attackers to create any clear chance in the penalty box.

The Italian was strong at his position and covered well. Even though United were caught out a few times and were spared only by some poor finishing from Reading, Darmian looked comfortable in the unusual centre back position. He was also effective in his tackles and ensured that United did not miss a centre back on the night.

Jones, like Darmian, was effective with his tackles and marshalled the defence very well. Moreover, Jones was good with his passing as well.

To conclude, it was a good day at the heart of the defence for the two lads.