15/02/2013 14:26 - ManUtd.com, M Froggatt, M Singh
Preview: United v Reading
Form guide: United head into this FA Cup fifth round tie in high spirits after beating*Everton to move 12 points clear in the title race before earning an extremely credible*1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. The Reds have already knocked West Ham and*Fulham out of this season’s competition and hope to reach the quarter finals with victory over Reading, who visit the Theatre of Dreams following third and fourth round victories over Crawley Town and Sheffield Untied. The Royals*are also in good form, having won three of their six Premier League fixtures in 2013.
Ins and outs: Everyone who travelled to Madrid has returned to Carrington in rude health and are*available*for selection, though the boss has stated he will utilise*his squad*by fielding a much-changed team. Paul Scholes is the only confirmed absentee with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Reading are virtually full fit with only Jason Roberts and Alex McCarthy unavailable.
Last meeting: Seven goals in the opening 34 minutes helped United egde a 4-3 thriller at the Madejski Stadium, where the Reds sealed a remarkable victory to reclaim top spot in the Premier League. Afterwards, the boss* said the match was "agony" to watch and lamented his side's defending, describing it as "the worst of the season."
Did you know? Rafael has not missed a minute of FA Cup action this season, completing all three of United’s two*clashes with West Ham and the following match against Fulham. No other Red has achieved this feat, though Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have started*each outing*before being substituted.
Opposition boss:*When his playing career ended, Brian McDermott*walked away from football to sell insurance in London - though*this new career didn't last long and the former Arsenal midfielder soon found himself in charge of Slough, before moving to Woking and eventually Reading. The*51-year-old, recently named Manager of the Month for January, is still inspired by the decision today, explaining:*“It was a*good experience, doing something I*didn’t really want to do because it made me realise what I really wanted.”
Star man: Adam Le Fondre scooped*January's Player of the Month*prize without actually starting a*match after netting five goals in three substitute appearances -*playing just 68 minutes in total.* As a result, the boyhood United fan has caught the eye of England*boss Roy Hodgson, though the 26-year-old could yet represent France via his grandfather's nationality.
Quote/unquote: "We'll take nothing for granted. In the FA Cup you always expect the unexpected. It happens so many times. You just hope you're not a casualty or a shock. We've had a few over the years. But I can't be more pleased than I am at the moment with the form and spirit in the place." – Sir Alex.
Sub-plots: United have not lifted the FA Cup since 2004 and Sir Alex's men are desperate to end that drought this season. Surprisingly, only*four Reds - Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Robin van Persie - have lifted the famous trophy, though the latter did so with Arsenal.*
Whistle blower: Andre Marriner, a Midlands-based official who has dished out 74 yellow cards in 25 fixtures this season, will take charge of Monday night’s match at Old Trafford. United fans last saw the 42-year-old during a 4-0 win over Wigan on New Years’ Day.
Rivals watch: On Saturday, Arsenal host Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium before old foes Leeds United host Manchester City at Elland Road on Sunday.