Manchester United vs Reading | 2022-23 FA Cup

Manchester United host Championship side Reading in their fourth-round FA Cup tie later today as the Red Devils look to improve their prospects of securing silverware this season. Having registered a triumphant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in their first-leg EFL Cup tie semi-final earlier this week, Erik Ten Hag’s side will be keen to build on the performance as the Red Devils look to remain consistent on the pitch moving forward.

Having been amongst the most impressive teams since the restart following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ten Hag’s men will be keen on continuing to build on their momentum over the coming fixtures. With the FA Cup amongst the trophies attainable for the Dutchman’s side this season, the Red Devils will look to perform to the best of their abilities this weekend, with both teams expected to remain competitive in their approach at Old Trafford later this evening.

Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, and Donny van de Beek remain unavailable due to injuries while the availability of both Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial remains uncertain for the game against Reading. Jadon Sancho is likely to make a comeback to the match-day squad having returned to full training while Ten Hag is likely to make a number of changes in a bid to manage the squad’s game-time moving forward into the campaign.

Probable Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Reading

Goalkeeper

Tom Heaton (GK): With David De Gea likely to be rested, Heaton is expected to be deployed between the sticks later today. However, with Jack Butland having completed a move to Manchester United earlier this month, Ten Hag is likely to go either way with his selection against Reading.

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): With no rotational option in his position, Wan-Bissaka is expected to retain his place against the Championship side. Having shown significant improvement in his overall contributions on the pitch, the right-back will be keen on building on his notable displays moving forward.

Harry Maguire (RCB): Having been unable to make the match-day squad against Forest owing to suspension, Maguire is expected to return to the starting line-up later today. Likely to remain a rotational option for the foreseeable future, the centre-back will be keen on making the best of his opportunity against Reading.

Victor Lindelof (LCB): Promising in his performance against Forest, Lindelof will be keen on delivering a notable display on Saturday. Expected to retain his place in the starting line-up, the centre-back will look to push for a starting spot moving forward.

Tyrell Malacia (LB): With Shaw’s participation uncertain, Malacia will be keen on making the best of his opportunity against Reading. Amongst the promising arrivals at the club at the beginning of the season, the Dutch international will look to deliver a notable performance this weekend.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM): Likely to be granted a start later today, McTominay will be keen on making the best of his minutes on the pitch at Old Trafford. Having struggled to impose himself during games in recent outings, the midfielder will look to perform to the best of his abilities on Saturday.

Fred (CM): With Christian Eriksen expected to be granted a rest, Fred emerges as the likely replacement for the Danish midfielder. Having proven to be a reliable option in the position in recent cameos, the Brazilian will be keen on delivering a notable display later today.

Attackers

Antony (RW): Gradually improving his performances, Antony will be keen on finding the back of the net against Reading. With Sancho expected to return to the match-day squad, the forward will be keen on keeping his place in the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Impressive in his recent displays, Fernandes will look to build on his impressive output over the coming fixtures. Likely to start the game in a bid to contribute to a dominant Manchester United performance, the Portuguese international will be keen on delivering a notable display against Reading.

Alejandro Garnacho (LW): Likely to replace Marcus Rashford in the starting line-up facing Reading, Garnacho will be keen on continuing to improve on his excellent form moving forward. With the youngster enjoying a breakthrough campaign under Ten Hag, the winger will look to make the best of his opportunities over the coming fixtures.

Wout Weghorst (ST): Impressive in his contributions on the pitch, Weghorst will look to find the back of the net later today. Having scored his first goal for United earlier this week, the Dutch forward will be keen on building on his performances moving forward into the season.