Manchester United 3-1 Reading: Casemiro magic puts Reds into FA Cup fifth round

It was a comfortable evening against Reading for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United after Casemiro imposed his quality on the game early in the second half to score twice and send The Reds into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Brazilian scored twice within four minutes after a frustrating first half before Fred scored a third. Amadou Salif Mbengue gave the Championship side a consolation to make it 3-1.

As you’d expect, the strong United side imposed themselves on the game from the off. They were up against a strict Reading block that were willing to defend their box with their life.

Clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening exchanges. Wout Weghorst went close with a backheel attempt after an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross, but that attempt was smothered by one Reading defender.

Antony went close with some curled efforts from the right before United got their first real opening of the night.

Weghorst had won his header and played the ball across the goal for Marcus Rashford, who squeezed the ball into the goal with his head from a tight angle to give United the lead, or so they thought.

The video assistant referees took control as Weghorst was deemed to be in an offside position when the initial pass from Bruno Fernandes was played – the only problem being that the ball was played by a Reading defender before it reached Weghorst. Eerily similar to Mo Salah’s goal for Liverpool in the previous round of the cup.

United also had a penalty attempt waved off minutes later after Casemiro seemed to be fouled inside the box.

Just before the interval, a frustrated United side were so close to conceding after a lapse in concentration from Tyrell Malacia inside his own box. The left-back failed to check his shoulder and was pickpocketed by Junior Hoilett, but the wingback could not find the target to spin the game on its head.

United were aware that they could not risk a replay within their hectic schedule and acted quickly in the second half with Casemiro taking charge.

The Brazilian was found with a run in behind the deep defensive line of Reading by Antony on 54 minutes, he then expertly scooped the ball over the goalkeeper to get United’s first.

Just four minutes later the midfielder doubled his – and United’s – tally with a beautiful long-range finish after substitute Fred laid the ball to him outside the box.

With United in a position of comfort, it was made even easier after Andy Carroll was sent off after two quickfire yellow cards mid-way through the half. He was lucky to not see red earlier in the half after a scissor challenge on Christian Eriksen that was not even looked at.

Fred continued his fine form from the bench as he flicked home a quick corner routine to give United a three-goal lead. Bruno Fernandes provided the delicious cross into the box to the Brazilian.

No game is perfect, however, and Ten Hag will be furious at the way United conceded. Mbengue found himself with a free header in the box as the clean sheet was ruined after 72 minutes.

The latter stages of the game saw game time given to the likes of Facundo Pellistri, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who all impressed before the final whistle.

United will find out their fifth-round opponents on Monday evening.