Manchester United vs Reading live team news: Wayne Rooney starts and captains but Jose Mourinho rings the changes
All the information you need ahead of the FA Cup clash at Old Trafford
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MANCHESTER UNITED will welcome the return of club legend and Reading boss Jaap Stam in the third round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
It's a chance for Jose Mourinho and his side to make it eight consecutive wins whilst the Royals also come into the clash in good form.
Stam's side currently sit third in the Championship and have won their last three league matches.
Keep up to date with ALL the Manchester United and Reading news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Mourinho is expected to rest some of his players as they welcome Reading for the early kick off.
What is the latest Manchester United team news?
Wayne Rooney returns to action and skippers the side as he continues to recover from a thigh injury. Ander Herrera was forced to have three stitches after picking up a cut on his eye against the Hammersand does not make the bench.
There are recalls for Daley Blind, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and the in-form Marcus Rashford, while leading stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba are on the bench.
Who is definitely out for Manchester United?
Eric Bailly is now the long term doubt for Manchester United.
What is the latest Reading team news?
Jordan Obita and Paul McShane returned for Jaap Stam's side in their last outing against Bristol City but neither start.
Former Manchester United player Tyler Blackett plays for the Royals.
When is Manchester United vs Reading?
Manchester United will host Reading in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 7, with a 12:30pm kick off at Old Trafford.
Who will be showing Manchester United vs Reading?
This fixture will be shown on BT Sport 2,. with coverage starting at midday. Alternatively you can keep up to date with all proceedings with SunSport's Live Blog.
When is Manchester United vs Reading?
Manchester United will host Reading in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 7, with a 12:30pm kick off at Old Trafford.
Who will be showing Manchester United vs Reading?
This fixture will be shown on BT Sport 2,. with coverage starting at midday. Alternatively you can keep up to date with all proceedings with SunSport's Live Blog.
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Who is definitely out for Reading:
Whilst Stephen Quinn and Deniss Rakels remain sidelined for the Royals.
Who is playing for Manchester United in the FA Cup?
Predicted line-up: Romero, Fosu-Mensah, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Fellaini, Herrera, Martial, Mata, Rashford, Ibrahimovic.
Who is playing for Reading on Boxing Day?
Predicted line-up: Al Habsi, Blackett, Moore, Gunter, McShane, Beerens, Swift, Van den Berg, McCleary, Williams, Kermorgant.
Form guide:
Manchester United: WWWWW
Reading: WLWWW
Who is going to win - latest odds?
SunBets have a Manchester United win at 2/9, a draw at 11/2 and a Reading win at 12/1.
SunSport prediction
After recording their seventh straight victory against West Ham, I expect Manchester United to make it eight wins on the bounce. But Reading, who have won their last three in the Championship will provide a tough test. Manchester United 3 Reading 1.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth - Fact me
- Manchester United have advanced from all but one of their last six third round ties, falling only to Swansea back in 2013/14.
- Reading’s last win over Manchester United in the FA Cup dates back to 1927, drawing two and losing six of their eight meetings since.
- The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 24 FA Cup meetings with second-tier sides (W20 D4), last suffering defeat in 1981/82 against Watford.
- Each of Reading’s last two away defeats against top-tier opponents in the FA Cup have come in Manchester (0-1 against City in 2010/11 and 1-2 against United in 2012/13).
- Juan Mata has scored in three consecutive FA Cup games for Manchester United, including in the final at Wembley last season (2-1 v Crystal Palace).
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