Man Utd vs Reading LIVE: FA Cup result and final score after Casemiro hits double

Apt a tribute as it was, it probably was not the one Paul Ince wanted. As a Manchester United great returned to Old Trafford, his Reading side were condemned to defeat by a defensive midfielder who showed an eye for goal. It was a hallmark of Ince in his playing days and, when Reading were producing a display of admirable defiance, Casemiro delivered a five-minute brace. The breakthrough featured a late surge into the box that was reminiscent of the powerhouse in the United midfield three decades ago. The general feel, of a midfielder grabbing the game by the scruff of its neck, was one United relished in the 1990s.

Ince won the FA Cup twice as a United player and now Erik ten Hag’s team remain the only side in four competitions. The manager felt a contributor to their 11^th successive win at Old Trafford: partly by fielding his strongest available midfield and attack and then, after United’s first-half dominance brought just two shots on target from 15 efforts and no lead, by sending out a side who showed more purpose. A talisman duly secured progress.

With an Ince-esque run, Casemiro surged on to Antony’s slide-rule pass and dinked a shot over Joe Lumley. The scorer pointed to the supplier in his celebrations: it was a belated first assist for United for the younger and more expensive Brazilian but it was harder to deflect credit for his second goal.

Casemiro has been in involved in nine goals this season for United (28 games - four goals, five assists), more than twice as many as he managed in 48 games for Real Madrid last season (one goal, three assists).

The Brazilian scored two goals in a club match for the first time since January 2020 for Real Madrid against Sevilla.

Manchester United have progressed from 10 of their 11 FA Cup ties against Reading, only failing in the third round in 1926-27.

Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire, spoke to ITV after the game and praised the impact Casemiro has had on the team since joining in the summer.

“We had numerous chances. We spoke at half-time about having patience and we’ll get the first goal.”

“He’s [Casemiro] done what he was brought in to do, He’s a phenomenal player. You don’t win what he’s won without being a top player. He’s improved the team, the morale and the performance.

“I’ve looked after myself. It was two and a half weeks since my last start. I’ve been working hard in training. When I get the opportunity I need to take it. I’m ready when my chance comes.

“I’m 29 and I haven’t really been in this position in my career. I don’t want to get used to it but it’s part and parcel of football.”

90+4 mins: Manchester United progress through another round of the FA Cup. Goals from Casemiro (2) and Fred were enough to see them past a stout hearted Reading side.

Erik ten Hag’s campaign to bring sliverware back to Old Trafford goes on. His team have now won 11 games in a row at Old Trafford.

Is the Dutchman making them into a force to be reckoned with once again? It seems so.

90 mins: Another short corner for Manchester United comes to Antony who fancies one from range. He drills one at goal from 20 yards but can’t get it through the cluster of shirts and Reading boot the blocked effort away.

Four minutes of added time to play.

87 mins: Alejandro Garnacho is given the ball and wastes no time in dribbling into the box. He’s tackled but wins United a corner. Antony puts it into the middle but Reading get it clear without too much trouble.