Manchester United vs Reading Post Match Review

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Manchester United progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Reading 2-0 at Old Trafford. Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku gave United the lead in the first half which was enough to see us through to the next round. It is unfair to say that Reading deserved the result because they were a great side today. You wouldn't look at them and say they're 23rd in the Championship. However, their decision making in the final third was woeful and Romero was at his best as usual.
The team performance wasn't great at all but Ole made 9 changes to the squad. Romero was given a start while Darmian started at centre back giving Lindelof a much needed break. Fred, Andreas, and McTominay were very underwhelming in midfield today. Andreas and McTominay are young but Fred seems worrying now. His game was flat and one dimensional and his sharp passing is the only thing he can offer for now. However, I'm willing to give him this season because he's still a new signing.
But in general, our midfield woes are concerning. An injury to Pogba or Herrera will ruin our midfield's passing range and creativity. Either Fred needs to seriously up his game or we need to invest either in this window or the next window. However, I doubt that will be given priority over a centre back signing.
Up front, Lukaku scored his third goal in as many games after Sanchez played a great ball in the box for him. This is exactly how we should be serving Lukaku. Smashing a ball to his feet is not playing to his strengths and when played like a target man instead, he is far more effective.
Tahith Chong made his debut in the second half, he did not stand out but that's how they all start. 
Sanchez came off injured which prevented Garner's debut. Let us hope that isn't too serious because we have a big game coming up next week. So hopefully a good rest and week's lay off will have the lads ready and raring to go. The squad now head to Dubai for a week of training.
Anyway, that makes it five wins out of five for Solskjaer's boys and we have gained some great momentum on the way, scoring 16 goals, conceding 3, and keeping 2 clean sheets. Our next game is Spurs away and that is the real test for many things. 

We find out if our squad are serious contenders for top 4. 

We find out if the first five games were just a honeymoon period. 

We find out if Solskjaer has enough tactical prowess to hold his won among the big boys in the league.

We must not forget that Spurs aren't unbeatable. The likes of Wolves, Arsenal, and Watford got points off of them. However even they'll be up for it after City made it all to play for by beating Liverpool a few days ago. Either way it will be a real test of character. Also that's a blog for another day, until then GGMU!

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