United’s blitz started off with Gabriel Heinze scoring his first goal in 18 months after just two minutes.

The Argentine international’s powerful 25-yard shot wriggled under Adam Federici's body and over the goal line.

Two minutes later, Frenchman Louis Saha doubled the lead with a fine volley before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tapped in the third in the 6th minute.

The Royals supporters were expecting a nightmare defeat but Steve Coppell's men reorganized their defense and a 23rd minute Dave Kitson header closed the gap.

Leroy Lita gave Reading fans hope when he pulled another goal back with six minutes to play.

Underdogs Reading were on the verge of completing a historic comeback after they pulled two goals back and coming close with when Brynjar Gunnarsson smashed the crossbar with a close shot in injury time.

Manchester United will face Middlesbrough, who needed a penalty shootout to beat West Brom 5-4 after a full-time 1-1 draw, in the quarter-finals on March 10th.