United have been drawn at home to Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Royals are currently sitting 13th in the Championship and represent one of the easiest draws possible for Erik ten Hag’s men, at least on paper.
Another home cup draw will also be excellent news for the Red Devils as the matches begin to pile up for their threadbare squad.
In the entire history of the two clubs, Reading have only beaten United once, in 1927, when they won 2-1, also in the FA Cup.
They are frequent opponents in the competition by some quirk of fate.
The last time the two teams met was in 2019, with United winning 2-0 with goals from Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.
It was 4-0 two years earlier, with goals from Wayne Rooney and the other stars hoping to play again this time, Anthony Martial (1) and Marcus Rashford (2).
The tie will take place between January 27 and 30, with television coverage dictating the precise programming.
Elsewhere in the draw, a big scalp will inevitably be taken. The winner of Manchester City and Chelsea, who play this afternoon, will face Arsenal if they beat Oxford.
If Liverpool win their replay against Wolves, they will be in for a tough tie on the south coast against in-form Brighton.
With a draw at home against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup, United appear well placed to advance on multiple fronts.
They also have a chance to advance in the Europa League, but face a tricky knockout matchup with FC Barcelona next.
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