Manchester United vs Reading FC - Fan’s View

Tom

Today’s match up seen Manchester United take on Reading in an Fa Cup round 4 tie at Old Trafford. Previous to the match it was speculated that it would be fairly easy tie for Manchester United. After seeing the line ups it was apparent that the reds wanted to progress into the next round taking no risks with the likes of Casemiro, Rashford and De gea starting just to name a few. 

Pre match

Before the match we went in feeling very confident with my prediction being 4-0 united and my friends prediction (Becca) being 3-1. Well done Becca by the way. We both speculate that it would be a very dominant display from united with lots of goals, lots of chances and a kind of kill the game of early type match.

First half

As I said before we thought that Reading would be an easy team to turn over the first half shown that they was here to play. Reading seemed a solid defensive side but lacking upfront or seemingly not wanted to take risks. Although united managed to break Reading down it was difficult to have any clear cut opportunities which was very different to what we thought would happen before the game. Rashford broke the deadlock in the first half or did he? No he didn’t it was disallowed. After the goal went in I said “that offside” and seemingly it was. The first half was a decent display from both teams but nothing special non the less. Reading fans were happy although clapping and cheering their team off which made becca very displeased. “Why are they clapping its 0-0” she said.

Second Half

The second half begun and we were ready for some goals. So it was much to our delight when just 10 minutes into the second half Casemiro placed the ball into the back of the net. We both thought this game will open up now. Which it did. Reading had to come forward a bit more, they pushed they had more chances more shots on target, but it was a Casemiro wonder strike (with a deflection) to calm our nerves and get us back on our feet. From the stands the deflection was unclear to have happened and I was buzzing. In the moment I was a little bit over the top and argued, “that may be one of the best goals I’ve seen this season” but after consideration it definitely isn’t.  Not too long after this Andy Carrol responded with a terrible tackle of Casemiro which seen him head for an early bath with geers and choir of “you scouse” I’m sure you know the rest. This for us was a highlight of the game seeing a rival player from many years ago be sent off oh Nunez could never. Of course this is was all wrapped up with a lovely back heel from Fred which if I’m being honest I didn’t see as I looking at the bench to see whom was coming on. However, Reading were great as they kept fight and pushing and was rewarding with a goal from a corner which their fans seemed more than pleased with and starting chanting “we scored a goal”. This was then wrapped up with subs seeing youngsters on such as garnacho, Pelestri and Mainoo, which always appreciated as they all play some lovely football.

Match Opinions and Emotions

All in all I feel as if the match played out in a pretty predictable and expected way. I also thought that reading were a solid side and kept on pushing until the last minute. Their fans were pretty good also for the most part and big props to them travelling from London to watch their team. Ultimately I’m happy with how United played and will go home very happy. Although I’m sure Ten Hag will not be pleased with conceding a goal.