Fergie satisfied to survive Reading scare

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to avoid a cupset to Reading, going through narrowly in a 2-1 victory.

The Royals held United at Old Trafford for over an hour, before the impressive Nani broke Reading’s strong resistance. Hernandez doubled the lead minutes later, but Jobi McAnuff earned a goal back for McDermott’s men with ten minutes to go and almost snatched an equaliser, but De Gea saved Le Fondre’s late effort.

Speaking to ESPN after the game, Ferguson said: ‘It was a really good cup tie, when Reading got the goal they went for it and piled the ball in the box looking for a vital touch. We had to defend well, Vidic, Smalling and an excellent save from De Gea.’

‘We withstood the pressure, but overall if you analyse it I’m really satisfied with the quality of our game and we could have scored more. It’s another late goal for Reading and goals change games. At 2-0 you’re never comfortable.’