Manchester United have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup by beating Reading 2-1 at Old Trafford.
United looked the better side in the opening exchanges and were unlucky not to take the lead when Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck both had efforts blocked by Reading defenders.
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Adam Federici ensured that Reading remained on level terms in the fifth minute, blocking a Welbeck shot following good work by Ashley Young on the left side of midfield.
The Australian goalkeeper was once again the hero for the visitors midway through the first half when he pushed away Tom Cleverley's powerful strike before saving Young's rebound.
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Nani was introduced shortly before half time in place of the injured Phil Jones and was inches away from opening the scoring with a long-range volley but the winger's strike hit the post with Federici looking helpless.
United continued to dominate after the break but Reading's stubbornness in defence was the cause of much frustration around Old Trafford, with Cleverley seeing a low drive cleared off the line.
Anderson was the next player to sting the palms of Federici with a powerful effort that needed pushing past the post.
The hosts eventually made the breakthrough in the 69th minute when the impressive Nani collected a pass from Antonio Valencia before firing the ball past Federici.
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Sir Alex Ferguson's side doubled their lead just three minutes later as Nani turned into the provider, whipping in a dangerous cross for Hernandez to head home from close range.
However, Reading refused to surrender and they managed to pull a goal back against the run of play in the 81st minute.
Chris Smalling failed to clear the ball when given the chance inside the box and Jobi McAnuff took advantage by slotting the ball past David de Gea.
Reading pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but it was United who had the better chances to find a third goal, with Hernandez being denied a second by the outstretched hand of Federici.
United will face either Middlesbrough or Chelsea in the next round of the competition.
Callum Mulvihill
