Rio replaces Smalling in United defence

Alex Ferguson made three changes to his Manchester United side for the Barclays Premier League clash at Reading.

The United boss welcomed Rio Ferdinand back into to the Red Devils’ defence with Chris Smalling dropping to the bench.

There were also recalls for midfield duo Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young in place of Tom Cleverley and Javier Hernandez, who were also named amongst the substitutes for the visitors.

Reading manager Brian McDermott named an unchanged side from Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa with midfielder Danny Guthrie only fit enough for the bench following a thigh injury.

Reading: Federici, Cummings, Mariappa, Morrison, Shorey, Robson-Kanu, Leigertwood, Tabb, McAnuff, Le Fondre, Roberts.

Subs: Taylor, Pearce, Pogrebnyak, Hunt, McCleary, Guthrie, Harte.

Man Utd: Lindegaard, Da Silva, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, Young, Rooney, van Persie.

Subs: De Gea, Jones, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Welbeck, Cleverley.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)