MANCHESTER UNITED are bang on course for one cup final this season but will be looking to tee up another trip to Wembley by beating Reading to stay on track for FA Cup glory.
Erik Ten Hag's side swept aside Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Wednesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, although they were grateful for VAR after it ruled out a leveller for Steve Cooper's side and ruined my BTTS bet.
Only an incredible collapse at Old Trafford would deny them a place in the final and Man United are building up quite a head of steam under the Dutchman, with only one defeat in their last 12 games.
It would be foolish to rule out a domestic cup double, although former Old Trafford hero Paul Ince will be looking to spring a shock as he returns to the Theatre of Dreams as manager of Reading.
Ince was a surprise choice by the Royals after eight years out of management following an ill-fated spell at Blackpool. But the former MK Dons and Blackburn boss saved them from the drop last season and has Reading sitting comfortably in mid-table halfway through this campaign.
Since beating Watford in the last round of the Cup, Reading's form hasn't been good, with a 2-2 home draw against QPR followed by a 4-0 hammering on the road at Stoke. But Ince will be hoping this glamour cup tie at Old Trafford will bring out the best in his players again.
How the bookies view it
It would be a massive surprise if Reading won at Old Trafford and they are 37/2 with SBK for a win inside 90 minutes while Manchester United are a best 1/6 at Unibet. The draw pays 38/5 at SBK.
Recent head to head
Reading have a terrible record against Manchester United and have only beaten them once, a 2-1 victory way back in 1927. They can take a little consolation that it came in the FA Cup, with the Royals prevailing in a second replay. The last two meetings have also come in the FA Cup, with United winning 4-0 at Old Trafford in 2017 then 2-0 at the same venue two years later.
Players to watch
Ten Hag has generally fielded strong teams in all competitions this term and if he's going to rest players it will probably be for the second leg against Forest next midweek. Wout Weghorst got off the mark in the midweek and should lead the line again here, with the Dutchman 11/10 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Gaffer Ince will be hoping his son Tom rises to the occasion and reminds everyone what a great talent he once was. The forward has six goals for the season and is 11/1 with Bet365 to add to that tally.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Manchester United winning to nil in their last two home games against Reading in the FA Cup, that bet appeals again here but it pays just 5/6 with Paddy Power. To get into odds-against territory, try backing United to win both halves at 23/20 with William Hill.
Jeff Hendrick will be at the heart of the midfield battle and that makes him a good candidate for a card. The Irish international is 10/3 with Bet365 to be carded which looks a bit overpriced.
Manchester United will try to kill this tie off early and that makes over 1.5 first-half goals worth a look too at 21/20 with McBookie.
This FA Cup match between Manchester United and Reading will be played on Jan 28, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Reading prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
