How Manchester United beat 10-man Reading 3-1 to advance to FA Cup last 16 thanks to Casemiro double, Fred goal
Michael Dominski
January 28, 2023 at 5:52 PM EST
Manchester United have beaten 10-man Reading 3-1 to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Marcus Rashford thought he had opened the scoring in the 35th minute but VAR disallowed his goal after Wout Weghorst was offside in the build-up. Rashford would miss his opportunity to become the first player in club history to score in 10 straight home matches.
Erik ten Hag's men absolutely dominated the opening half, but the visitors nearly grabbed a shock lead just before the break. A mistake by Tyrell Malacia allowed Junior Hoilett a shot from close range, but David de Gea made a fantastic save to keep the game level.
The floodgates burst open for the home side early in the second half though. Casemiro scored twice in the space of four minutes, the first a sweet chip over the keeper and the second a deflected effort from long range.
Compounding the difficulty for Paul Ince's side, Andy Carroll was sent off in the 65th minute, picking up his second yellow card for a reckless sliding challenge on Casemiro. Fred scored United's third just a minute later with a sweet heel-flicked finish, putting the game out of reach.
Amadou Salif Mbengue did score a consolation goal for the Championship side off a corner in the 72nd minute, but it was too little, too late to make a difference.
(Photo: Getty Images)
January 28, 2023 at 5:52 PM EST
Thanks for following along!That's all for tonight, but be sure to follow The Athletic's ongoing coverage of the transfer window through Tuesday's deadline!
And we'll be back here on Wednesday with live coverage of Manchester United's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest!
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:45 PM EST
Today's FA Cup resultsAfter Manchester City's victory over Arsenal yesterday, today saw another 11 of the 16 fourth round fixtures played:
Accrington Stanley 1–3 Leeds UnitedWalsall 0–1 Leicester CityBlackburn Rovers 2–2 Birmingham CityBristol City 3–0 West Bromwich AlbionFulham 1–1 SunderlandIpswich Town 0–0 BurnleyLuton Town 2–2 Grimsby TownSheffield Wednesday 1–1 Fleetwood TownSouthampton 2–1 BlackpoolPreston North End 0–3 Tottenham HotspurManchester United 3–1 ReadingThe draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:42 PM EST
Ince: We could have beaten United a year agoInce had this to say after Reading's defeat: "No disrespect, if we'd have played United a year ago we'd have come here thinking we'd could beat them. Ten Hag has lifted the whole club... They're starting to get a presence about them. That's important."
Mark Critchley
January 28, 2023 at 5:32 PM EST
Ince on Carroll red card: 'The ref can't wait to get his card out'Paul Ince also spoke to ITV about Andy Carroll's sending off.
On Andy Carroll's red card: "If you look at the first one, it wasn't actually a foul, the linesman hasn't flagged, the players are walking away and the ref can't wait to get his card out.
"Once you've been booked you can't make those challenges but the ref can't wait to get his card out. It's poor."
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:31 PM EST
Ince: 'We thought they were going to play a weakened side'Paul Ince spoke to the BBC after the defeat against his former club: "I'm very proud of the players. As a player here for six years I know how tough it is to come here and play in front of their fans on full song. It was great to score a goal.
"It was about making our fans proud. We thought they were going to play a weakened side. When we saw their team we thought uh oh. We should have scored in the first half. We have a tough one at home against Watford. We want to stay in the league.
"At times we were probably better with 10 men when we released the shackles. We gave the fans something not to be embarrassed of.
"When you come to Old Trafford you want to play against the best players. The fact Ten Hag played his best XI shows the respect he has for me, the club and the players. They’ve held their own against a very good Manchester United side.
"When you play against big teams you know you’ll need a lot of luck. Your keeper has to be outstanding and nick one or two moments. We rode our luck. It's the first time I’ve managed under VAR, I was quite relieved. We fall asleep, we let Casemiro run through. Poor marking and then they’re in the ascendancy."
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:27 PM EST
Brazilian trio come up big for UnitedA trio of Manchester United Brazilians led the way today:
Casemiro: two goalsFred: goal and assistAntony: assist
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:23 PM EST
Ten Hag: I don't know why Rashford's goal was disallowedErik ten Hag spoke after United's win: "The first 60 minutes was really good. We totally dominated. We were composed with good moments. In the first half we had some good opportunities. I don't know why the (Marcus Rashford) goal was disallowed."
On Casemiro: "We know he's a great player. In Madrid's midfield with Kroos and Modric it was great. I think he's capable, you see offensively he enjoys it. What I like is dynamic football with variations, many position switches."
On Antony: "I think he's growing. We want him to be more dynamic, variable and direct. Today was a lovely pass for the first goal.
"We are happy with his improvement in this moment. There's big potential in him and he has to develop it every day.
"We are here for trophies but we have a long way to go. We're building."
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:19 PM EST
Reading can't slay GoliathReading have now won just one of their 23 matches all-time against Manchester United in all competitions (D7 L15), and have lost their past seven in a row.
They have also now lost eight of their past nine FA Cup matches against Premier League opponents, with the sole victory a 3-1 home win against West Brom in February 2016.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:16 PM EST
Good times keep rolling for UnitedManchester United are now unbeaten in their last 15 home games in the FA Cup (W13 D2) since a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in 2015.
They have lost just one of their last 40 home games against sides from outside the top-flight (W32 D7), a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United in January 2010.
United have also progressed from 10 of their 11 FA Cup ties against Reading, their only loss coming in the 1926-27 season.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:10 PM EST
Maguire on United's winHarry Maguire spoke after the victory: "We had numerous chances. We spoke at half-time about having patience and we'll get the first goal."
On Casemiro: "He's done what he was brought in to do, He's a phenomenal player. You don't win what he's won without being a top player.
"He's improved the team, the morale and the performance."
On not playing regularly: "I've looked after myself. It was two and a half weeks since my last start. I've been working hard in training. When I get the opportunity I need to take it. I'm ready when my chance comes.
"I'm 29 and I haven't really been in this position in my career. I don't want to get used to it but it's part and parcel of football."
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:08 PM EST
Highlight - Carroll's red card - US viewersOur American viewers can watch how Andy Carroll picked up his second yellow card here:
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:07 PM EST
Highlight - Carroll's red card - UK viewersOur British viewers can watch how Andy Carroll picked up his second yellow card here:
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 5:04 PM EST
Pitch-side viewHere's how Casemiro's goals looked to fans behind the goal:
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:54 PM EST
Reading's resilient first-half defence gave way to a United landslide early in the second half. Carroll's red card certainly didn't help matters.
Erik ten Hag and Paul Ince share a quick conversation and a warm handshake.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:52 PM EST
Official man of the match is...Antony? Bit of a surprising choice after Casemiro's double...
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:50 PM EST
Injury timeFour minutes are added on.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:47 PM EST
Antony should score87' Manchester United 3-1 Reading
Garnacho crosses for Antony in the Reading box and the Brazilian should score on the volley, but he mistimes his shot and Bouzanis easily collects.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:42 PM EST
Highlight - Reading's goalYou can view Mbengue's goal here:
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
January 28, 2023 at 4:41 PM EST
Antony has made an impactThis game changed in the space of 12 minutes with three goals and a red card.
Or did it? United were always on top. You wouldn't say it was a matter of time before the opener but it sort of was, given how little Reading have offered.
Antony's pass for that first was sublime. He played the same ball in the first half for Bruno Fernandes and was unlucky not to see it result in an assist.
Just goes to show he can do something unpredictable from that flank even if everyone knows he's going to cut in on his left.
Mark Critchley
January 28, 2023 at 4:40 PM EST
Fornah wastes chance80' Manchester United 3-1 Reading
Reading have numbers breaking into United's box, but Fornah makes an absolute mess of the opportunity and the danger passes without so much as a shot.
Michael Dominski·
Live Reporter
Darren England (referee)
Ian Hussin (assistant)
Nicholas Hopton (assistant)
Dean Whitestone (fourth)
