28 January 2023 , 08:00
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Manchester United are preparing for their second cup clash in four days, with a visit from Reading on the agenda for Saturday evening.
The Red Devils come into the FA Cup fourth round clash on the back of a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Boss Erik ten Hag is still set to make several changes to his side for the clash with the Royals though as he seeks to keep his squad fresh.
United still have a chance of winning three cup competitions, with Championship side Reading standing in their way of progression on Saturday. The Royals sit mid-table in the second tier, but Ten Hag will still name a strong line-up.
First-choice keeper David de Gea could keep his place between the sticks, having kept a clean sheet against Forest. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia should also continue in the fullback positions, with Diogo Dalot ruled out and Luke Shaw doubtful.
Having been suspended for the trip to Forest in midweek, captain Harry Maguire could be in line for just his eighth start of the season. Lisandro Martinez is likely to be his partner at centre-back following his man of the match performance against Forest.
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It could be all change in central midfield though, with Scott McTominay and Fred coming in for Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Bruno Fernandes is likely to continue as the central attacking midfielder.
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Alejandro Garnacho is in line to start against Reading (Manchester United via Getty Imag)And he could be joined by youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Marcus Rashford early into the second-half against Forest. Meanwhile, Antony could keep his place as Ten Hag looks for his star summer signing to finally hit the ground running.
And fresh from scoring the crucial second goal against Forest, his first since arriving at United, Wout Weghorst could lead the line up-front. With one foot in the Carabao Cup final already, Ten Hag is keen to extend his side's run in another cup competition.
"We have to be ready for every game, every opponent will be tough and especially in the cup. For them, it's a perfect chance, we have to be aware of that. So, we will be [on the front foot], fully focused and full of energy," he said.
Manchester United's predicted line-up to face Reading on Saturday"We want to win every game so we plan every game fully. The next game is always the most important game, so that's tomorrow, Reading. We have a strong selection for this game. We have a good squad, we have depth in the squad, so we can cover things.
"We have many games to cover, and so we need players to cover that. When you play in 30 days 10 games, you need a lot of players. I think Aaron and Ty, they play magnificent in this moment. On Wednesday, they were really brilliant.
"The whole back four was brilliant on Wednesday. We are happy in the back four, we have depth in the squad. That's what we need when you have to cover 10 games in 30 days and hopefully it will continue after that as well."
Man Utd predicted line-up vs Reading: David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia; Scott McTominay, Fred; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Antony; Wout Weghorst