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FA Cup draw: Manchester United to face Reading in 5th round

Manchester United certainly didn't get the toughest tie in the hat in Reading. The Berkshire team will have to pull off an upset at Old Trafford to knock out the Premier League leaders.

Laurence Griffiths

Well it is not the toughest draw. However it is also not the easiest. Manchester United dodged bullets such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, providing they beat Brentford in a replay, but also have the pleasure of hosting another Premier League team in Reading in the 5th round. Thus far, the Red Devils have defeated West Ham United in the 3rd round (in a replay) and Fulham in the 4th round.

No other football club in England has lifted the FA Cup in triumphant victory more than Manchester United -- 11 times if you're wondering. However, the last time they did so was in 2004. It wasn't even Wembley glory since the stadium was being reconstructed and instead, the final was played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Sir Alex Ferguson and his players have made it quite clear that they highly desire to win the competition this season. There are many accomplished players on the squad, including Rio Ferdinand, that don't have a winner's medal.

The fourth round was full of shocks. Non League Luton beat Premier League Norwich. League One Oldham have just beat Liverpool (It is up to you if you count that as a shock). Fellow League one team MK Dons smashed QPR 4-2. And Leeds of the Championship secured victory against Spurs.

Here is the full 5th round draw: Ties to be played the weekend of February 16th and 17th

Teams in bold are those who I deem to be the favourites to get to the late stages.

Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan

MK Dons v Barnsley

Oldham v Everton

Luton v Millwall

Arsenal v Blackburn

Manchester City v Leeds

Manchester Utd v Reading

Middlesbrough* v Brentford/Chelsea

* Not happy with Middlesbrough! Scored a 96th minute winner to knock Aldershot out! Would have fancied us in a home replay too! And it could have been Chelsea at home.....