Royals appointment

It wasn’t pretty, but victory was all that mattered as United booked a place in the FA Cup sixth round with a gritty 2-1 win over Reading on Monday night. 

Second half goals from the impressive Nani, brought on for the injured Phil Jones in the first half, and Javier Hernandez were ultimately enough to beat the Royals, who bagged some consolation thanks to Jobi McAnuff’s late goal which caused a tense finale at Old Trafford.

Thankfully, the Reds held on and continue the march towards Wembley with a quarter final meeting against either Chelsea or Middlesbrough on the weekend of 9/10 March. 

United photographers John Peters and Matt Peters were, as always, in a prime pitchside position and some of their shots are included in our gallery of the big game.

More: United 2 Reading 1 | Nani eyes FA Cup glory |