Manchester United survived a late Reading onslaught to claim a priceless victory in the FA Cup fifth round replay at the Madejski Stadium to advance to the sixth round of the competition. 

Things started brilliantly for the Red Devils who quickly raced to a three-goal lead in the first five minutes. Gabriel Heinze, who has featured sporadically since returning from his injury, put United into the lead in the second minute when his well placed shot some how managed to roll under keeper Adam Federici into the goal.

Just two minutes later, Louis Saha extended the lead, slotting his volley past Federici after Rio Ferdinand had done well to find him. And when Solskjaer scored the third goal for United, indications were clear that Reading were in for a drubbing.

However Steve Coppell made some tactical adjustments, shifting back to the usual 4-4-2 formation, and Reading looked to have steadied the ship. Reading got one back in the 23rd minute when Ingimarsson's flick on from the corner found Kitson who nodded in the goal from just two yards out.

Coppell changed his side midway though the second half, bringing on Little and Lita, while United started to run out of steam. Ulises de la Cruz's cross in the 84th minute found Lita who made no mistake to score Reading's second goal.

Brynjar Gunnarsson nearly equalized in the last minute but saw his shot rattle the cross bar. Coppell admitted that his side's horrific start made it very difficult to get back into the game but praised his team's determination to chase the game.

"It was obviously the worst start possible. You talk about starting well and keeping it tight but it wasn't long before we were 3-0 down. Then you think what can you gain from the game. It was a great second half and respect for my players. We have proud players who didn't want to be humiliated", he said.