Preview: United make FA Youth Cup trip to Reading
Manchester United Under-18s continue our FA Youth Cup journey with a trip to Berkshire to take on Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Thursday 13 January (19:00 GMT).
Travis Binnion is in charge of the young Reds, who secured progression into the fourth round with a 4-2 home win over Scunthorpe United in December.
Goals from Sam Mather, Alejandro Garnacho, Maximillian Oyedele and Charlie McNeill secured smooth progress at Old Trafford.
FA Youth Cup: United 4 Scunthorpe 2
Watch the key moments from our entertaining 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe in the FA Youth Cup third round...
HOW TO WATCH
The match will be shown live in the UK on MUTV. Coverage begins at 18:45 GMT. Supporters wishing to subscribe can head here to do so.
Highlights and reaction will then be available on ManUtd.com and our Official App.
THE OPPOSITION
Reading entered the FA Youth Cup at the third-round stage, where they finished 3-1 winners over Bromley thanks to Louie Holzman and Harrison Furlong’s extra-time goals away from home. Princewill Ehibhatiomhan had scored in the first half of normal time only for Reading to be pegged back four minutes later by Ben Krauhaus.
Last year, the Royals were knocked out by eventual winners Aston Villa, Louie Barry’s last-second goal providing the most dramatic end to a thrilling encounter which ended 4-3. The Berkshire team are coached by Michael Donaldson and Mikele Leigertwood, the latter a former player of the club.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are on sale from our hosts now, although this will stop at 17:00 GMT on the day of the game and supporters will, therefore, not be able to buy tickets at the ground pre-match.
Prices are £3 for all adults and £1 for under 18s. Seating will be unreserved in the Lower-West Stand. Parking is free of charge.
YOUTH CUP PEDIGREE
Only players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August 2021 are eligible to take part.
United are the most successful club in FA Youth Cup history, winning the competition on 10 occasions (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1964, 1992, 1995, 2003 and 2011) and reaching a further four finals (1982, 1986, 1993, 2007).
The club's best performance in the last few years was a semi-final appearance in 2019/20.
ELSEWHERE IN THE COMPETITION
Other notable ties in this year's fourth round include a trip to Cambridge United for Leeds United and Accrington Stanley's hosting of Charlton Athletic. Current holders Liverpool face Burnley and last year's defeated finalists Chelsea are away to Watford.
THE FIFTH ROUND DRAW
The draw for the fifth round has already been made. The winner of this match will host either Everton or Sheffield United, who themselves face off on Friday 14 January.