Royals 0-2 United

By Chris O'Brien
January 19 2008

Manchester United left it late but second-half goals from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo secured an excellent 2-0 win at Reading. The result was a little harsh on the Royals who really tested United but they couldn’t stop Sir Alex Ferguson's consolidating their place at the top of the Premier League table.

Reading will be proud of their performance and their ambitious, attacking style almost got them a positive result. The hosts defended solidly for long periods and almost snatched goals on the break with Leroy Lita and Dave Kitson particularly dangerous. 

United refused to let themselves get frustrated and started to control the game after the interval. Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic both went close but the deadlock was finally broken 13 minutes from time thanks to a stylish move.  

Watched on by England boss Fabio Capello, Rooney turned home Carlos Tevez's neat pass to the delight of the travelling masses. It was a huge relief for United who had been frustrated by the Royals’ resolute rearguard. 

The home side weren’t disheartened however and they surged forward looking for an equaliser but United eventually put the game out of their reach deep into stoppage time. Ronaldo, not at his best, surged through the backline and calmly drove the ball home to seal the points. 

Full Time – Reading 0-2 Manchester United
Attendance – 24,135