Reading manager Paul Ince believes his side have an opportunity to cause an upset against his former club Manchester United, speaking to Berkshire Live ahead of this evening's clash.

The Royals have gone winless in their previous four league games, winning just two points from a possible 12 during that time and failing to perform well enough against the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City.

Losing 4-0 against the latter in their last game, the Berkshire outfit won't exactly be full of confidence coming into this clash as they prepare to face a side that will be in good spirits under Erik ten Hag.

Although the Red Devils suffered an agonising 3-2 loss against Arsenal last weekend, they managed to put that behind them with an emphatic 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in midweek, a result that has put them in a strong position to reach the Carabao Cup final.

With the differing form of the two sides and the vast gulf in quality between the teams, it looks as though there will only be one winner tonight at Old Trafford with the hosts being firm favourites to come out on top.

But former United boss Ince feels his current side have a chance to cause a shock.

He said: "There is no pressure on us to win the game. Obviously I want to win the game, I'm not going there for a sightseeing trip that's for sure.

"Some people do because it's a lovely day out but for us, we have a chance of causing an upset."

The Verdict:

It's hard to see anything other than a United win tonight - because the hosts will be able to put out a very strong team even if they rest the majority of their regular starters.

Ince may decide to put out his strongest 11 - but he will also be wary about potential injuries to key first-teamers like Tom Ince and Jeff Hendrick - with the former England international potentially set to rest the duo ahead of next weekend's clash against Watford.

The fact they will have a week to prepare for the Hornets could persuade the Royals' boss to play them two - but it's probably not worth risking players like Ince and Joe Lumley who have been superb for much of the season.

Instead, the Royals should be looking to give chances to players that don't have the opportunity to play that often including Kelvin Abrefa and Michael Craig, both of whom will want to be heavily involved in the first team in the coming years.

Amadou Mbengue should also be given another chance to impress along with Femi Azeez, who may come in handy if Lucas Joao seals an exit before the end of the month. Joao hasn't had much of a chance to impress this season though, so it would be a surprise to see him move on.