United finish on top in seven goal Madjeski Stadium thriller

Poor defending from MUFC
By Chris
December 18 2012

Seven goals were scored in 34 incredible first-half minutes as Manchester United claimed a jaw-dropping 4-3 win at Reading. Wayne Rooney fired home a brace, whilst Anderson and Van Persie found the net as the Red Devils combined goalscoring finesse with woeful defending at the Madejski Stadium. It was only the third game in Premier League history to see seven goals scored in the first-half. 

Sir Alex Ferguson described United's defending as the "worst ... of the season" as the Red Devils narrowly edged out Reading in Berkshire.

United's defending was so poor that Sir Alex was forced to substitute full-back Rafael after only 31 minutes as he introduced Chris Smalling to stabilise his side's backline.

The Red Devils fell behind after eight minutes through Hal Robson-Kanu as a tame header from Jonny Evans gave the Welsh international the chance to fire past Lindegaard.

Eight minutes later, however, United had turned the game on its head and were in front. Anderson's restored parity with a superb finish from an acute angle, before Wayne Rooney dispatched a spot-kick from 12 yards after Jay Tabb fouled Evans.

An incredible game twisted back in Reading's favour once again - and they had re-captured the lead by the 23rd minute. Awfully slack United defending allowed Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison to nod home corners to the delight of the stunned home support.

However, United came storming back - and Rooney turned home a Patrice Evra shot minutes before Robin van Persie latched onto a flick from the Englishman and coolly finished.

Ferguson's men should have had a fifth. Van Persie was denied his 14th United goal of the season when his shot, which clearly crossed the line, was adjudged to have been cleared away.

The second-half - unsurprisingly - lacked the amazing drama of the first 45 minutes, but United's defence improved substantially to with-hold Reading, ensuring Sir Alex's men secured three vital points.

The result maintains Manchester United's impressive record at the Madjeski Stadium, where the Red Devils have claimed three wins and one draw. United have never been beaten by the Royals in league action, having won three and drawn two of five contests.

Full Time - Reading 3-4 Manchester United
Attendance - 24,095