Goal contributions from the three Brazilians, Casemiro, Fred, and Antony, helped Manchester United defeat Reading in the FA Cup 4th Round.
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The Brazilians were the life of the party for United yesterday |
When the lineups were revealed an hour before the game, it was obvious that Erik ten Hag wasn't joking when he said that the goal was “to win every match”.
But as much as Manchester United dominated the first half, they couldn't find a way to put the ball the back of the net legally, as Rashford’ header was correctly ruled out for Wout Weghorst’s offside.
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Onwards and upwards! ☝️#MUFC || #FACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 28, 2023
But it felt like fans always knew that it was a matter of when and not if Manchester United would score.
The second half resumed with no changes and a slow Manchester United start as Reading came close on a few occasions.
But by the 54th minute, Antony slid a pass onto the path of Casemiro who scooped the ball above the keeper and into the net.
This goal ensured that Manchester United regained control of the game while waiting patiently for a second.
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| Casemiro’s strike was beyond the keeper’s reach |
The second goal was another that exuded the brilliance Manchester United fans have come to associate Casemiro with.
The goal was a hard hit from outside the 18-yard box with a slight deflection off a Reading defender that swerved its way into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal post, sealing Manchester United’s authority on the pitch.
The frustration creeped in for the Reading players and by the 65th minute, Andy Carroll was booked for a second time within 6 minutes.
And the next minute sealed the match as substitute, Fred, who had already set up Casemiro’s second goal moments after coming on, flicked Bruno Fernandes’ near post corner for United’s third goal.
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| Fred sealed the game with a flick |
Reading later picked up pace and scored a consolation that denied David De Gea a cleansheet, but United’s Brazilian-fueled performance was enough to secure a spot in the next round. United will find out their opponents on Monday when the draw will be made.