Man Utd defeated Reading 3-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday night with Casemiro and Fred grabbing the goals

Maguire leads the team out (Image: Ash Donelon/Man Utd via Getty Images)

Man Utd spoke of being ‘patient’ and the goals will come at half-time of their FA Cup victory against Reading.

That’s according to Harry Maguire, who was back in the side for United’s 3-1 win over Paul Ince’s Royals. It didn’t come without hard work, though as an uninspiring first half ended goalless.

Marcus Rashford had seen a goal disallowed for offside but, otherwise, Erik ten Hag’s players weren’t clinical in the final third. That changed shortly after the break when Antony played a delightful through-ball for Casemiro to reach and loft the ball over the goalkeeper.

The Brazilian grabbed a second shortly afterwards after a speculative effort from distance sneaked into the corner thanks to a slight deflection. Andy Carroll then saw red for a ludicrous challenge to earn a second booking before Fred added a third with a fancy flick.

It was an eleventh straight win at Old Trafford for United and Maguire revealed what was said when things weren’t looking quite as rosy at the break.

“Yeah for sure,” the centre-back told ITV when asked if it was a night for patience. “I think the first half we created. We controlled the game, they had a great opportunity at the end of the first half which we need to shorten up on a little bit because we know we had control of the game. We had numerous chances and numerous opportunities.

“We spoke at half-time that ‘patience and we’ll get the first goal’, and it was a nice finish from Casemiro.”

Casemiro has had a massive impact on United since his arrival from Real Madrid and Maguire moved to praise the midfielder. He added: “He’s been what he’s been brought in to do – he’s a phenomenal player, he has been throughout his career.

“You don’t win what he’s won without being a top player so he’s improved the team, he’s improved morale, he’s improved the performance and it’s great to have him.”

source: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/