Manchester United 2-0 Reading: 5 Tactics from Solskjaer that won the game

#3 Pereira as the Deep Lying Playmaker

Manchester United v Reading - FA Cup Third Round

Andreas Pereira started in the Matic role for United on the night, but the youngster added a Brazilian flair to the center of the park. Pereira was efficient while dealing with the opposition counter and ensured that Reading never got hold of the midfield. But once he got the ball, his qualities were for all to see.

In the absence of Pogba and Herrera, his team was short of players who could see a pass from deep and that was why Solskjaer opted for Pereira to start as the deep lying playmaker. The Brazilian has a great understanding of the game and on the night, excelled in his role as he mixed up steel with style. He ensured that United were never short of options in the middle and he dropped down to help his defense as well as covered for the marauding full-backs.

The Brazilian watched the game from a deeper role and reacted as required. His manager will be quite pleased with him, because Solskjaer's decision to start with Pereira in that holding role worked quite well.