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FA Cup | Fifth Round

Feb 18, 2013 at 8pm UK

Man Utd Manchester United
2-1
Reading

Half-Time Report: Goalless first half at Old Trafford

By Callum Mulvihill, Reporter | 18 February 2013

Half-Time Report: United frustrated by Reading

Despite having the best chances in the first half, Manchester United fail to make the breakthrough against Reading in the FA Cup fifth round.

Manchester United have dominated the first half of their FA Cup fifth-round match against Reading but the score remains 0-0 at Old Trafford.

The hosts quickly took control of the contest and had chances to take an early lead but both Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck saw efforts blocked from inside the box.

Ashley Young looked lively on his return to the starting lineup and it was the England winger who picked out Welbeck inside the area in the fifth minute but the striker's shot was well saved by Adam Federici.

Reading struggled to create any chances in the first period and were frustrated by a United defence, which was marshalled well by Nemanja Vidic.

Federici was once again forced to come to Reading's rescue midway through the first half, keeping out Tom Cleverley's low drive before reacting quickly to deny Young from close range.

Adam Le Fondre tried his luck with a speculative shot from distance but the in-form striker's shot was well saved by David de Gea.

Nani came closest to scoring in the first 45 minutes after replacing the injured Phil Jones, with the Portuguese winger striking the post with a volley from outside the area.

Despite enjoying most of the possession, United's attempts to find a goal continued without reward until the half-time whistle was blown.