United face top-flight opponents again in FA Cup
The FA Cup
By Chris
January 27 2013
Manchester United's recent record of being drawn to face fellow Premier League clubs in the FA Cup continued on Sunday. The fifth round draw paired the Red Devils with Reading at Old Trafford, with a place in the last eight of the world's greatest cup competition at stake.
After an incredible weekend of giantkilling across the country, Sir Alex Ferguson's men were once again paired with fellow top-flight opposition in the FA Cup. Struggling Reading will travel to the Theatre of Dreams in round five.
United secured safe passage to the fifth round following a 4-1 win over Fulham, having previously knocked out West Ham United at the third round stage following a replay.
Last season, United dumped rivals Man City out at Eastlands in the third round, before bowing out of the competition in another derby against Liverpool.
The last time United faced opposition from outside the top flight in the FA Cup was in February 2011, when United narrowly beat Conference outfit Crawley Town by a single goal at Old Trafford.
In the League Cup too, United have recently become accustomed to drawing fellow Premier League opponents. This season, United beat Newcastle before suffering defeat to Chelsea; though last season was a different story when Fergie's men faced Leeds, Aldershot and Crystal Palace.
In other ties, Luton Town - who became the first non-league side to dump Premier League opposition out the Cup as they beat Norwich - will host Millwall, whilst Oldham Athletic - conquerors of Liverpool - face another Merseyside opponent in the shape of Everton.
Elsewhere, Manchester City host Leeds, Barnsley travel to Milton Keynes Dons and Middlesbrough will entertain the victors of a replay between holders Chelsea and League One Brentford.
The full draw is as follows:
Huddersfield Town or Leicester City v Wigan Athletic
Milton Keynes Dons v Barnsley
Oldham Athletic v Everton
Luton Town v Millwall
Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers
Manchester City v Leeds United
Manchester United v Reading
Middlesbrough v Chelsea or Brentford