The visit of league leaders United will bring with it the kind of varied attacking threat that Reading encountered, and handled reasonably well, against Chelsea in August. In Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, Sir Alex Ferguson has an embarrassment of riches. It is in defence where the problems lie.

The return of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones has seen United tighten up at the back and concede just three goals in the last four games (as opposed to eight in the four before that), but it has been left to late comebacks to dig United out of holes on more occasions than Ferguson will want.

The trip to the Madejski Stadium may be viewed as an opportunity to continue Jones and Smalling's integration back into the first team fold, as well as the chance to blood youngsters and give minutes to squad players - but they will keep plenty in reserve and won't underestimate the opposition.

Ferguson has warned this week that, after a busy beginning to the campaign, now is the time for United to "concentrate on the league" and build on their impressive start which has seen them edge out City at the top.

United have already suffered three defeats in the Premier League this season: Everton, Tottenham and Norwich all showing that their weaknesses at the back can be exposed by organisation, patience and the ability to take chances when they present themselves. But while it was something Reading excelled at in the Championship, they have not looked likely of showcasing these traits since.

Reading player to watch: Adam Federici. Federici came of age for Reading against United. Steve Coppell's preference for rotation in the cup competitions led to the Australian goalkeeper putting in a performance against the Red Devils in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February 2007 which earned him the 'Player of the Round' title and marked him out as a future No. 1, and not just a stand-in for Marcus Hahnemann. But Federici has lost his way this season, after an outstanding 20 clean sheets in Reading's title-winning side last campaign, and now faces a battle to hold onto his place in the team. With things looking desperate for the Royals it could be time for Federici to step up and prove himself all over again.

Manchester United player to watch: Wayne Rooney. In Rooney, United have the Premier League's joint-top assist leader (six) as he has played a slightly deeper role of late. However, with just three league goals to his name he will feel he is a due a burst and has often underperformed when United have needed him most. With the Manchester derby on the horizon, Rooney will want to find his shooting boots against Reading and prove that he is not willing to be relegated to the bench just yet.

Key battle: Jason Roberts v Man United defence. The veteran striker has a handy habit of winning set-pieces in the attacking third. Formerly of Blackburn, Wigan and West Brom, Roberts is one of, if not the most experienced player in the Reading ranks, and also the most capable of troubling United's shaky rearguard. If there is an opportunity to hassle, harass, and isolate a defender into making a mistake or drag them out of position in order to create space then you can be sure Roberts will take full advantage and stand a good chance of coming out on top in one-on-one battles. Aged 34, he doesn't have many opportunities against teams like United remaining. Expect him to make the most of it.

Trivia: In 16 meetings in all competitions, Reading have won just once and lost eight times against Manchester United, their only victory coming in 1927.

Stats: Manchester United have recovered 18 points from losing positions this season, more than any other team in the Premier League. Reading have conceded 78% of their goals in the second half of games this season.

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Man U all d way.......Go RVP

didnt know there was a team named reading

Manutd must win...who wanna bet otherwise?

the REDS Army..GGMU

pDude: didnt know there was a team named reading

Now u know.

go UTD

Viva United...... Ƒoя most of d season, Ʊ guys have had ♏ԑ on da edge of ma bench wen watching ......... Plz ß kind today bois απϑ finish dεм off in d first half....

As long as ma heart pumps απϑ ma blad remains red, United all d way!

Man u 3 -reading 0

I am nt alway confortable wen man u play al dis smal teams. Anyways man u al d way

Reading (7.6) have won just once so far this season and are unlikely to add to that total when they are visited by Premier League leaders Man Utd at the Madejski Stadium. Reading have been involved in six matches with four or more goals this season without emerging victorious from any of them. Trying to take on and beat Premier League teams by scoring one more than them is rarely a wise tactic for a promoted club and Reading are learning that the hard way.78% of the goals Reading have conceded have come in the second half of matches, suggesting they often fade after strong first half performances.

Man Utd (1.41) play one of the most direct forms of football in the league and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be relatively confident in his team’s ability to deal with their offensive threat coming off the back of a 1-0 victory at home to West Ham, another long ball team, on Wednesday.

We expect Reading to follow the pattern set in many of their matches this season by starting strong before fading in the second half and conceding goals that see them come away empty handed. United have a potent attack and we simply cannot imagine them being constricted by a leaky Reading defence. Its will be a chance of (4.5) for a draw on both teams.

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Time to kip the gap team Utd.

Hmmm

come back kings

Na goal be that?

crazy stuff here , 4 goals in 20 mins ......what a game

wtf

Scores na 2 2 na, abeg update this thread topic pls

reading take the lead once again 3-2

This is a season of weak defences for the Big teams isn't it?

What is happening to my UNITED? Damn! It's 3 - 2 in favor of Readings....

3-3 rooney equalise ............

Hahaha, say what you like about united, but our attackers are GOOOD

Let me b positive.

3 - 3
but which kind match be dis sef?
ManU had beta claim all 3 points!

RVP 4-3 united ..........goal fiesta here

7 goals in 34 mins

The current score is Reading 3 : 4 Manchester United.

United wan give me hypertension today. Why concede 3 goals in the first half like this?

Evra is the weak link