Man United hold on for FA win at Reading

February 27, 2007

and Manchester United clashed today in a fifth round replay at the Madjeski Stadium. Neither team fielded a full strength side, with and  von the bench for Reading, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as substitutes for United.

United started the game with a blitz, scoring 3 goals in the first 6 minutes. started the scoring by shooting in a cross. Two minutes later, received a long ball from  and sent the ball into the back of the net, doubling the lead. then scored the 3rd, as he beat the offside trap and curled the ball into the net. Reading did not give up the fight, and scored on 23 minutes, when headed home an Ingimarson cross. The game stayed at the 3-1 scoreline for much of the rest of the game, until 84 minutes, when Leroy Lita scored to force an edgy finish. Litas powerful header off a Glen Little cross left keeper helpless, leaving Reading in sight of extra time. A shot by which rattled of the crossbar could have caused an amazing comeback, but Manchester United were able to hold on, and advance to the sixth round of the FA cup.

Manchester will face Middlesbrough in the next round, who defeated today after a penalty shootout.