After four straight league wins for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the festive period, he had a chance to rotate his squad for an extremely manageable tie in the FA Cup. Hosting Championship strugglers Reading FC at Old Trafford continued a relatively gentle introduction as interim manager. The visitors sit in 23rd place in the second tier, having earned just three points since the beginning of December. Poor Reading performances resulted in Paul Clement losing his job. His replacement Jose Gomes has prioritised league survival over an FA Cup run.
Manchester United laboured a bit, as several fringe players started. There were early issues with pressing and some of the attacking movements, but the performance improved as the game went along. A fifth straight win keeps the momentum going for the Norwegian, while also allowing him to rest some of his key players after a busy two weeks of fixtures. In addition, it has given him a chance to play some of his back-up options and players returning from injuries.
Lineups
Jose Gomes stuck with the 4-2-3-1 which he has used in most of his games in charge. However, he made four changes from the side that had lost 4-1 at home against Swansea. Most interestingly, 18-year old academy product Daniel Loader started as the central striker. Former Manchester United player John O’Shea dropped to the bench, replaced at centre-back by Liam Moore.
Manchester United made nine changes from the side that had beaten Newcastle United 2-0 three days earlier. Romelu Lukaku got his first start under Solskjaer, joined by Alexis Sanchez who had been out injured. The midfield three consisted of Fred, Andreas Pereira, and Scott McTominay. Matteo Darmian also got a rare start as the right-sided centre-back in a back four.
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