London: Manchester United’s interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dream run at the helm continued as his much-changed side defeated second-tier strugglers Reading 2-0 in the FA Cup third round while champions Chelsea also had an easy outing as they cruised past to a 2-0 over Nottingham Forest Saturday thanks to a Alvaro Morata double.
Solskjaer made nine changes to the side that defeated Newcastle United midweek in Premier League and there was a disjointed feel to his team’s display as Reading matched their illustrious opponents.
Juan Mata’s penalty and a well-taken effort in first-half stoppage time by Romelu Lukaku, given his first start since Solskjaer took over, sent United into the fourth round while 13-time winners Arsenal also progressed with 19-year-old Joe Willock scoring twice in a 3-0 win at third-tier Blackpool.
It was a subdued performance by the 12-times FA Cup winners at Old Trafford, where Reading impressed, but maintained former United striker Solskjaer’s dream start to life in the hot seat vacated last month by Jose Mourinho who was sacked.
United opened the costing in the 22nd minute when the Red Devils were awarded a penalty after Juan Mata was fouled in the build-up with Fred, another player to get a rare start saw his goal being dismissed offside.
Referee Stuart Attwell, helped by VAR, brought play back to award a penalty which Spaniard Mata stroked home. Reading’s Andy Yiadom and Danny Loader both wasted good chances and United were given breathing space when Lukaku latched onto Alexis Sanchez’s pass to round keeper Anssi Jaakkola and slot home in the first half added-on time.