Football news - Manchester United cruise into FA Cup fourth round with win over Reading

Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku scored first-half goals as Manchester United’s winning streak continued with a 2-0 win over Reading in the FA Cup.

A weakened United squad still proved too good for the Royals in an open first-half, with Mata scoring from the spot after 23 minutes after a lengthy VAR delay. He had been fouled just before Fred, who was offside, out the ball in the net, and the correct decision was eventually made.

Lukaku made it 2-0 just before the break - and just after Sergio Romero had made a good save to deny Reading - when he rounded the visiting goalkeeper and tucked home.

Reading dominated possession and had more shots, but they weren't as clinical as United even with the home side far from their best.

Victory continues Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s remarkable start as United manager, with the Red Devils yet to taste defeat under their new boss. He's tied Sir Matt Busby's record of five consecutive wins to start his reign.

Lukaku has his scoring touch back. The Belgian has taken a lot of criticism this season and in the eyes of many it was no coincidence that United impressive recent results coincided with him not starting games, but he now has three goals in three games. He took his goal excellently, rounding the goalkeeper with ease before tucking away. It’s easy to forget that the World Cup, where he was so impressive in Belgium’s run to the semi-finals, was only six months ago and he too is benefiting from working under a new, more positive manager. On a day where few United players made a case that they deserve more playing time, he was one of the few bright spots.

Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United). It far from a perfect performance and he will be annoyed to have only scored one goal, but his ability to take one of the two good chances he had was ultimately the difference between the two side.

22’ – PENALTY! After much delay, the penalty is given. Mata was fouled just as he took the ball down and Fred, who tucked the ball home, was offside. That's the right call.

23’ – GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Reading (Mata). Mata takes the penalty and sends the goalie the wrong way.

29’ – SAVE! Fred releases Lukaku, who looks to be one-on-one but can't quite shake Moore and then gets the ball caught under his feet. Lukaku does manage to create a little space to shoot, but Jaakkola beats the effort away.

30’ – CHANCE! Reading break quickly and have a on-on-one of their own, with Loader finding himself in space. He rounds Romero but ends up too wide and has to pause, which allows Romero to recover.

45+4’ – GOAL! Manchester United 2-0 Reading (Lukaku). Swift give the ball away and United counter quickly. The ball is worked to Sanchez and he slips in Lukaku, who rounds the goalkeeper and taps home. That's cruel on Reading.

68’ – SAVE! Young gets the better of three Reading players down the left and cuts the ball back for Fellaini, who has most of the goal to aim at, but his flick is too close to Jaakkola who prevents a third.

71’ – SAVE! Barrow beats Darmian and tees up Aluko, who sees his scuffed effort tipped round the post by Romero.

Manchester United: Romero 7, Dalot 6, Darmian 7, Jones 6, Young 6, McTominay 6, Fred 5, Pereira 5, Mata 6, Sanchez 6, Lukaku 7. Subs: Chong 5, Fellaini 5, Rashford 6.

Reading: Jaakkola 6, Yiadom 6, Ilori 6, Moore 6, Richards 6, Kelly 6, Rinomhota 7, McCleary 6, Swift 7, Harriot 5, Loader 6. Subs: Aluko 6, Barrow 5, Meite 5.