Manchester United maintained their status as the only Premier League team to still be fighting in four competitions after easing past Reading 3-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening.
Casemiro found the breakthrough nine minutes after the break before his long-range effort doubled the lead on 58 minutes. Andy Carroll was sent off for two rash challenges seven minutes later before Fred got a third goal for the hosts on 66 minutes.
Amadou Salif Mbengue managed to nod in a consolation on 72 minutes but United held firm to make it to the last 16 of the competition. United are now 12 home games unbeaten, having not lost since the 1-0 Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad in September.
READ MORE: United player ratings vs Reading
Here are four things United fans may have missed during the win over Reading.
Casemiro ensures Antony gets the praise
Casemiro’s classy lobbed finish sent Old Trafford wild with delight but in the midst of the celebrations he made sure to pay tribute to Antony. The Brazilian registered his first United assist with a no-look pass through to his teammate for the opener.
The winger reacted to underwhelming performances this month by promising fans he would do everything to get back on track. And so Casemiro made sure fans directed their praise towards him by taking him by the shoulder and pointing, which would have been a nice confidence booster.
Fred’s celebration with Casemiro after second goal
Casemiro had his eye in during the night and scored his second four minutes later. Fred - who himself netted nine minutes after coming on - had laid the ball off for his countryman to sweep home from 25 yards.
He was delighted and gave Casemiro a massive clap before going over to him to share an embrace on what was an evening of Brazilian brilliance.
Malacia reaction after error
Tyrell Malacia almost got caught out in his own area just before half-time. The left-back controlled the ball in the box but allowed Junior Hoilett to nip in and get a shot away.
The effort was dealt with by the knee of David de Gea but fans were less than impressed with the sloppy play from the Dutchman. The defender was very apologetic and held his hands up to apologise after watching in horror with his head in his hands in the midst of it.
Reception for Ince
Paul Ince returned to Old Trafford for the second time as a manager after doing so in 2008 with Blackburn. The United hero was very animated on the touchline as his seat remained unoccupied for nearly the entirety of the match.
He is categorised under the few who have played for both Liverpool and United, but Reds fans were still keen to show their appreciation for the midfielder who helped United to two league titles and two FA Cups.
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