FA Cup holders Manchester United will host Championship side Reading in the third round of the FA Cup tomorrow (12.30pm kick-off) as they look to defend the title they won last year.

The Red Devils had to come from behind to beat Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final last year, in turn clinching a record-equalling 12th title.

United boss Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007, has overseen six straight Premier League wins going into tomorrow’s clash, and he’ll know that his side will have to be at their best to overcome the Royals, who are currently sat third in the Championship.

Jaap Stam, who won the FA Cup in 1999 with United, has led the Berkshire club to 14 victories from their 24 league games this season, and they themselves are on an excellent run, having won their last three games and indeed eight of their last ten.

The Royals are no strangers to a cup run, having reached at least the quarter-finals in four of the last seven seasons, including their sensational run to the semi-finals in 2015, where they were beaten by eventual winners Arsenal at Wembley.

Nonetheless, Reading will go to Old Trafford hoping to cause a major upset, and Stam may look to rotate his squad after the busy Christmas period.

Thus, here are THREE Reading players who deserve a chance against United on Saturday…

Jordan Obita

Tyler Blackett has had the better of Jordan Obita in the left-back pecking order in recent weeks, but the former Manchester United man hasn’t had a great time of it.

Blackett gave away the penalty from which Tammy Abraham scored for Bristol City on Monday, and a few other unconvincing displays means he hasn’t completely nailed down his place in the side.

Thus, Obita should get the left-back spot against United, yet Stam may even play both, with Blackett potentially moving to centre-back as part of a back three.

Nonetheless, Reading may need Obita’s pace and intelligence down the left-hand-side to deal with United’s attacking threat, so should get the chance at Old Trafford on Saturday.

George Evans

Reading may need more defensive stability in midfield against United, so it’s likely that former Manchester City man George Evans will come back into the side.

The 22-year-old last started for the Royals in their 3-2 win at Blackburn on December 17, and has since then had to make-do with a place on the bench due to the good form of Joey van den Berg and Danny Williams.

However, with United expected to have more of the ball on Saturday, somewhat different to most opposing teams that have come up against Reading this season, Stam is likely going to pack the midfield with more defensive options – one of which is Evans.

Playing Evans also gives him the option of playing a back three, as the former City man has occasionally dropped back into that role this season.

Dominic Samuel

With Reading likely to have less of the ball against United, they will need a pacey outlet to relieve some of the pressure which is undoubtedly going to build on their defence.

And, with Garath McCleary almost certain to start, Stam could be tempted to bring Dominic Samuel into the starting eleven as well.

The 22-year-old has netted twice in six league starts for the Royals this season, but his pace and trickery could be an important asset to the Berkshire side on Saturday against a likely makeshift United back four.