Manchester United 3-1 Reading: Brazilian Stars see off Reading.

 

   Casemiro (right) celebrates with his teammates scoring against Reading.

Manchester United secured a 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday, thanks to a spectacular performance from their Brazilian stars.

Casemiro scored twice and Fred added a third with a clever flick, while Reading's Amadou Mbengue scored a consolation goal.

The match was not as easy as expected for United, as they struggled to convert their many chances in the first half, and Reading almost took the lead before halftime.

Despite Andy Carroll's sending off, Reading were not able to overcome the Samba magic of United's Brazilian players in the second half.

Antony set up the first goal with a perfect pass that put Casemiro in position to elegantly lift the ball over the Reading goalkeeper, Joe Lumley, early in the second half.

Casemiro then added another goal with a fierce 30-yard strike, and Fred completed the scoring with a daring flick. The match was marked by the sending off of Andy Carroll, and Reading scored a consolation through Mbengue.

The victory sets up an FA Cup match between Manchester United and rivals Leeds on February 8th, one of the many matches they will play in the packed month ahead.

Additionally, the team is on track for Carabao Cup glory after their 3-0 semi-final win against Nottingham Forest. 

Ten Hag's decision to make only one change in the lineup for this game was somewhat surprising, with Harry Maguire replacing Lisandro Martinez. They controlled the game throughout the first half, with Weghorst having a shot blocked and Christian Eriksen narrowly missing with a 20-yard free-kick.

The hosts continued to dominate the game throughout the first half, with several missed opportunities from set-pieces and shots on goal. Reading shot-stopper, Lumley, did well to parry a strike from Rashford, and Eriksen's follow-up attempt was thwarted.

Antony missed multiple efforts, and Weghorst had a close-range strike blocked. Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and Rashford all had shots on goal that were denied or missed their mark.

The first half ended with United having 15 shots to Reading's two. However, complacency nearly allowed Hoilett to score for Reading in the stoppage time.

The Red Devils finally opened the scoring in the 54th minute, when Antony superbly slipped through Casemiro, who kept his cool to expertly lift the ball over Lumley.

Casemiro scored another goal four minutes later, with a stunning first-time strike from 30 yards that skipped past Lumley and nestled in the bottom corner. 

In the 65th minute, Andy Carroll was sent off for a second bookable offence for a late challenge on Casemiro, ending any hopes of a Reading comeback.

With the shackles off, United played with freedom and flair, before Fred flicked home a third goal.

Reading substitute pulled one back for the visitors but ultimately the score remained at 3-1.