A place in the FA Cup fifth round is up for grabs on Saturday evening when Manchester United hosts Reading at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side beat Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup third round. With the fourth-round tie with Reading sandwiched between the two legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, and the Red Devils 3-0 ahead following the first leg at The City Ground, it is another opportunity for them to impress and continue fighting on all fronts.
The challenge for Ten Hag is to name a strong enough side to win, while rotating his squad and giving necessary rest to players amid the fixture pile-up.
Manchester United Team News
Harry Maguire is available again after serving a one-match Carabao Cup ban in midweek. Luke Shaw was absent against Nottingham Forest with a bout of illness and remains doubtful, while Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial are still out injured.
Ten Hag gave a promising update on Jadon Sancho, hinting the winger could make his much-awaited return to the squad after a three-month absence.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Reading (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea returned to the Carabao Cup starting line-up in midweek, so he is expected to sit this one out with Jack Butland and Tom Heaton pushing for a start. While Butland will be under consideration, Tom Heaton is the most likely to get the nod in goal, having played well and kept a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Charlton Athletic.
Defence
After serving a suspension in midweek, Harry Maguire will return to the first XI and partner Victor Lindelof at the heart of the Man United backline. Lisandro Martinez will be on the bench along with Raphael Varane, who was rested in midweek at Nottingham Forest.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a certainty to continue at right-back, with Tyrell Malacia keeping his place at left-back intact, after Luke Shaw missed the Carabao Cup semi-finals’ first leg due to illness.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes could both be rested after playing 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest. This could see Ten Hag utilise Scott McTominay and Casemiro in central midfield, with Fred operating in a more advanced role.
The trio of Casemiro, Fred and McTominay will look to take control of the game as early as possible against Reading. Christian Eriksen will be on the bench. Academy talent Kobbie Mainoo may get a chance to impress in the second half.
Attack
Marcus Rashford could start on the bench despite playing just 56 minutes against Forest as Ten Hag looks to keep him fresh. In Rashford’s place, Alejandro Garnacho may get a chance to impress. Garnacho will hope to enjoy a productive evening from the left flank and repay the manager’s faith in him.
Antony will have a big chance to get some form back. He should retain his place on the right wing, with Wout Weghorst leading the United attack. The big Dutchman should be keen to get himself on the scoresheet again after scoring in midweek against Forest.
Facundo Pellestri will again have to be content with a role on the bench as he looks to make an impact when called upon by the manager.
