Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Continues Winning Run

Manchester United booked a place in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wrote himself into the Old Trafford history books, joining Sir Matt Busby as the only Reds manager to win the opening five matches of his tenure.

A Juan Mata penalty and a first-half added-time strike from Romelu Lukaku was enough to see off Championship strugglers Reading at Old Trafford. It wasn't the best United display of the Norwegian's caretaker era but following an arduous Christmas and New Year period, the new-look Reds came through comfortably enough, despite some scary moments that threatened a second successive clean sheet.
Inevitably with such a changed United XI there was a bedding-in process against Reading which led to a ragged opening to the contest.
Solskjaer had made nine changes from the side that had beaten Newcastle at St James’ Park in midweek and the six ever-presents in his first four previous matches in charge as caretaker boss were all given a break following their arduous festive-season programme.
United’s sluggish start gave Championship strugglers Reading some hope that they could pull off an FA Cup shock and arrest the Reds' winning run.
The Royals had the best chance of a breakthrough after 17 minutes when they broke away and the ball fell nicely for Andy Yiadom as he burst into United’s area. But the right-back’s big moment in front of the Stretford End got the better of him and he ballooned his golden opportunity into the stand.
It woke the Reds up and soon after Solskjaer's men were in front after a break whilst VAR sorted out a penalty incident for referee Stuart Attwell. Juan Mata had been floored in the box by defender Omar Richards but the official played the advantage.