McAnuff scores in Reading’s loss to Man U
MANCHESTER, England (AFP) — Nani scored one and made the other as Manchester United beat Reading 2-1 to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals here yesterday.
The Portuguese winger was only brought on as a substitute because of a first-half injury to Phil Jones, but he certainly made his mark with a powerful second-half strike before setting up Javier Hernandez with a pinpoint cross.
United will now face the winner of Chelsea and Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals as Alex Ferguson’s side continue to challenge for trophies on three fronts, despite a late scare when Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff pulled one back for Reading.
United had come flying out of the blocks and Danny Welbeck gave Reading ‘keeper, Adam Federici, his first contest of the night a minute later with a low strike that was pushed away.
The Reading ‘keeper pulled off a good save in the 22nd minute to deny Tom Cleverley’s low shot, before getting back on his feet to turn away Ashley Young’s timid strike from close range.
Jones, after his impressive man-marking job against Cristiano Ronaldo last week, could be a doubt for the return leg in March after injuring his ankle in a clash with McAnuff and Nani replaced him.
Adam Le Fondre gave United ‘keeper David De Gea his first work of the night with a quick turn and shot that the United ‘keeper saved.
Nani then got straight into the action with a rasping shot that beat Federici before cracking off the post and flying away from danger.
The winger then forced the Royals stopper into a decent save in first-half stoppage time with a long-range effort.
United started the second half like the first, with Cleverley trying to drill a low effort through a crowd of players before Reading cleared.
A deflected header from Vidic, off Sean Morrison, had to be cleared off the line by Reading striker Noel Hunt who was playing with staples in a head wound after a clash with the Serbian defender in the first half.
Reading were being pinned back as van Persie replaced Young before Nani whizzed one by the post in the 65th minute.
