The wise and weathered Landlord in the Transfer Tavern has included a comfortable victory for the Red Devils in his accumulator — need I say more?

United have been in fine form in recent months; they have won six on the bounce and are unbeaten in eleven matches. The Red Devils have progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League, reached the League Cup semi-final and closed the gap on the top four.

It is strange then that United have not played all that well in this period. Certainly, the team is still gelling under new manager Jose Mourinho. However, there can be no denying (we can hear the protests in the Transfer Tavern already) that United have benefited from some poor officiating in that time.

Of course, United have also played some good stuff, getting fans excited that there could be an overdue return to the sort of swashbuckling attacking play that they cheered on under Sir Alex Ferguson.

This may prove a little optimistic so long as the pragmatic Mourinho is in charge, but players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata ensure some quality attacking football is played.

Mourinho prefers to work with a small squad so we cannot see many youngsters being drafted into the fold on Saturday. Still, the 53-year-old is sure to give a few a chance to stake their claim to become a more regular fixture in the Premier League side.

Let me know in the comments if you agree with my United XI that is sure to demolish Reading come Saturday lunchtime.

GK: David De Gea

As the United fans in the Transfer Tavern regularly remark, if they are to win trophies this season, then De Gea will be crucial to United’s chances.

The Spaniard made some excellent saves against West Ham, and has been a consistent performer this season for the Red Devils. Short of trying to explain the mad-hatters that are goalkeepers, they certainly perform better when given regular starts and trusted to perform.

RB: Antonio Valencia

The workhorse that is Valencia is likely to continue on the right-side of the defence, using his engine to get up and down the flank to provide width to United’s attack.

Mourinho will be hoping Valencia will be enough of a threat to Reading that their wide players will double up on him, preventing them from testing his defensive capabilities. 

If Reading are brave, they may be able to exploit the space in behind the Ecuadorian. But at what cost?

CB: Phil Jones

Phil Jones has been solid for United recently, improving his partnership with Marcos Rojo week-by-week. A blood and thunder centre-back, United will be hoping he can turn in a commanding performance against the Royals.

Furthermore, with rumours circulating that England teammate Chris Smalling could be leaving United this month, Mourinho will be expecting Jones to come of age and take on more responsibility, as well as stay injury-free.

CB: Marcus Rojo

The Argentine centre-back does not command universal admiration from United fans in the Transfer Tavern. Criticised for his rashness and discipline issues, Rojo is not a South American foil for his partner’s physicality, but a complement to it.

Lucky to escape a red card against Everton, Rojo must err on the side of caution against Reading in the cup. Just as United’s defence looks to be settled, they don’t want any reckless mistakes to disrupt the balance.

LB: Matteo Darmian

The Italian fullback has benefited from Luke Shaw’s injury problems and Mourinho’s preference for a more defensive-minded fullback. While not an established left-back, the manager continues to trust him as a key part of the defensive unit.

Mourinho, his teammates and United fans will still hold out hope that he will eventually complete a successful cross soon. Reading on Saturday may be the day!

CDM: Marouane Fellaini

Not a favourite among the punters in the Transfer Tavern – red or blue – the Belgian’s combative style could be used to good effect against the Championship side. He must make sure he stays out of trouble and helps screen United’s defence.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is unlikely to be involved, having had no real impact under Mourinho this season and with rumours of a transfer out of United gathering pace, so Fellaini is likely to get the nod.

CM: Paul Pogba

There are signs that he is slowly finding his feet in this United team. Apart from the nice flicks and pinpoint cross-field balls, he is adding goals and assists to his game.

The Red Devils’ fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting him to embarrass the Reading players at Saturday lunch time, which is certainly not out of the question.

His understanding with Ibrahimovic is crucial to United’s attack and Mourinho will be hoping he can continue to be effective with and without the Swede.

CM: Wayne Rooney

Mourinho’s decision to initially drop the England star split the United fans in the Transfer Tavern. For what it’s worth, we think it was absolutely the right thing to do.

However, Rooney has still got valuable qualities that can assist United’s challenge on multiple fronts this season. A place in midfield is now seen by many as suiting his physical capacity and range of passing.

With Fellaini behind him, Rooney should not have to worry about defending too much and instead be able to link up with United’s attack.

RW: Juan Mata

Even the omniscient Landlord thought the diminutive Spaniard was odds-on to leave United in the summer when Mourinho took charge at Old Trafford. How wrong he was!

Mata has been excellent for the Red Devils this season, contributing goals and assists at crucial times. United fans would love him to chip in again on Saturday and with his ability to strike a ball beautifully and skilfully drop his shoulder, we think they may get their wish.

LW: Marcus Rashford

Having changed the game in United’s favour against West Ham, despite only featuring for a mere 32 minutes, the young Englishman deserves to start against the Royals.

A fan favourite in the Transfer Tavern, and admired by even those in blue, much is expected of the electric Rashford. If he can continue to add an end product to his game, the Manchester-born starlet will soon become one of the first names on the team-sheet at Old Trafford.

CF: Anthony Martial

There should be no surprise that Anthony Martial’s agent has been angling for him to move on from United, at least for the remainder of the season. Nor can there be any surprise that some of the top European clubs are interested in acquiring his services.

If Mourinho really wants him at the club as much as he says in the press, then he must hand the Frenchman a start on Saturday. His pace will stretch the Reading defence, creating more space for those around him, and he can be relied on to be clinical in front of goal.