Reading could not have a tougher start to life without former manager Brian McDermott as they travel to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Academy coach Eamonn Dolan will take charge of the side at Old Trafford following the sacking of McDermott on Monday.

The Royals come into the match four points off the relegation zone and without a win against United in nine meetings.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils could find their lead cut to nine points when play gets underway if Manchester City defeat Everton in Saturday's early kickoff.

The hosts have Nani missing through injury, but Phil Jones could return to the squad. Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to the starting lineup after the captain missed Sunday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Pavel Pogrebnyak is suspended for the visitors, who are also without Adam Federici, Jimmy Kebe and Danny Guthrie.

Recent form:

Man Utd: DWWWLD

Reading: WLLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Man Utd: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs; Kagawa; Van Persie, Rooney

Reading: Taylor; Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Kelly; Leigertwood, McAnuff, Akpan, McCleary, Hunt; Le Fondre

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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