Man United will be aiming to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round with minimum fuss this weekend as they host Paul Ince’s Reading at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been in fantastic home form since their World Cup return, with six straight wins in all competitions, alongside a 3-0 Carabao Cup semifinal first-leg victory at Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Ince won two FA Cups as part of Alex Ferguson’s dominant 1990s United team, but he lost both matches against them as Blackburn Rovers boss in 2008, and he faces a major challenge back in Manchester.
Below are the projected starting lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to this FA Cup match.
Man United vs Reading lineups
The return of Ince to Old Trafford is a subplot to this game, with the former midfielder one of the few Ferguson protegees currently in an active management role, but he looks set for a tough night back on his old stomping ground.
Ten Hag will rotate his options for this tie as he looks to keep his squad fresh for the weeks ahead.
Below are the projected starting lineups for both teams ahead of their FA Cup match at Old Trafford on January 28.
Man United starting 11
(4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Malacia — McTominay, Eriksen — Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho — Elanga
- Injured: Van de Beek, Dalot, Tuanzebe, Martial, Sancho
- Suspended: None
Ten Hag will give certain first-team players a break for this game, with Lisandro Martinez still being eased back into action following the World Cup, and Marcus Rashford also due a rest.
However, attacking pair Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga could be given a chance to impress from the start at Old Trafford, while Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire could come into the defence after missing the Forest match.
Luke Shaw is a doubt and Diogo Dalot is still injured, but Ten Hag hinted that Jadon Sancho could make his long-awaited return to the matchday squad, having not played for the club since October 22.
Reading starting 11
(5-3-2): Lumley (GK) — Hoilett, Yiadom, Danns, McIntyre, Rahman — Hendrick, Loum, Fornah — Ince, Meite
- Injured: Carroll, Hutchinson, Moore, Tetek
- Suspended: None
Veteran striker Andy Carroll misses out for Ince due to injury and the visitors are unlikely to make too many starting changes.
Experienced defender Scott Dann is set to return to the defence, with notable other names including Jeff Hendrick and Junior Hoilett, and Shane Long on the bench.
Source: www.sportingnews.com
