Out of favour Portuguese winger Nani came on midway through the first half to inspire United to a 2-1 win against Reading in the FA Cup fifth round to set up a tie with Chelsea or Middlesbrough in the quarter finals.
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The FA Cup 2012/2013
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3 Matches 215 minutesMore »
The hosts were intent on progression and attacked with real intent right from the off with Hernandez, Welbeck and Ashley Young all going close in the opening exchanges.
The best of the opening fell to Ashley Young after he followed up on Tom Cleverley's shot that was saved well by Adam Federici and the Australian somehow got a touch on Young's shot to keep out a certain goal.
Readings best effort fell to none other than in form striker Adam le Fondre who tried his luck with a curler from range that forced De Gea in to a fine flying save.
The best moment of the half saw Nani on for the injured Phil Jones instinctively volley a tremendous effort that deserved better than to crash of the post and to safety.
Welbeck was released down the right and his excellent cross was well cleared to the edge of the area but with three men closing in the Portuguese winger was able to get his shot off and what a strike it was.
Nani seemed very much like a man with something to prove as he brought a fine save out of Federici when he hit the target again from range at the end of the first half.
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Reading
The second half was more of the same with The Royals hanging on with United dominating without finding a way through.
Anderson brought a smart save from Federici on the hour mark in a lively performance from the Brazialian who was leading by example in the centre of the park.
Nemanja Vidic was imperious at the back and a menace in the Reading box and he had a good header saved off the line by Noel Hunt.
Robin Van Persie made his entrance just after the hour mark replacing Ashley Young as Alex Ferguson looked to get the goal that the pressure warranted.
Every Reading player was camped in their half as wave after wave of United pressure came at them and Nani again came close to giving his side the lead with a left foot drive that was just wide of the upright.
It was the Portuguese winger who got the goal that he and his side deserved in the 69th minute when Antonio Valencia slid the ball into the box and Nani's first touch lifted the ball just high enough to volley in with his second.
Nani turned provider just three minutes later when he whipped in a delightful ball for Chicharito to head home to give United breathing space after Reading had threatened through Le Fondre and De Gea had to claw the ball to safety.
Brian McDermott's side set up a nervy finish when they scored the unlikeliest of goals through Jobi McAnuff in the 81st minute. Chris Smalling was out of position and played McAnuff onside who calmly swept the ball beyond De Gea.
United had a glorious chance to finish the tie as Nani burst away past two challenges before releasing Danny Welbeck but the hero of the Bernabeu fluffed his lines and fumbled the ball out of play.
Reading the late show specialists of recent weeks pressed to the end with Adam Federici coming up for a 93rd minute freekick but United defended well to snuff out the late danger.
Nani came within inches of sending the game off in style with a 94th minute freekick but his effort was wide of the target, the whistle then blew to relief from the Old Trafford crowd.
FT: Manchester United 2-1 Reading
07/05 - 19:30
07/05 - 20:00
