The romance of the cup

[Sutekh]

Can't help but think that there are so many Reading fans who are so joyless, cynical and pessimistic I wonder why they actually support Reading and even watch sport, can't be much fun.

I have no affiliation or particular likeness for Man United (or any PL club), however I do think that part of the "magic of the cup" is getting drawn against some unknown team, it's exciting to see who we'll get. I'm glad we got Man United rather than say Preston, Huddersfield, etc... or another club in our league.

As it turns out:

we are playing one of the biggest clubs in the world
against one of the most famous coaches
Jaap Stam is going back to Old Trafford
We will have a large allocation so anyone who wants a ticket is going to get one
it's a decent night out if that's your thing
We actually have a half decent chance of beating them with the way things have been over the last few years

I think fans and supporters just need to take the cup for what it is, a fantastic competition, and not get so bogged down in being negative. So all this "Oh that's us out", "What a sh*t draw, I'm out", attitude is just being a fun hover.

Agreed. Imagine turning your nose up at playing one of the biggest clubs in the world. We're Reading ffs

We already have to play Brighton twice this season, so this game just pales to insignificance

[Winston Smith]

They're going to have to take this cup srsly as Jose needs to win something or at
the very least have a decent run in the cup comps.

^very much my thinking. I reckon their shambolic PL campaign so far works against us as he will be desperate to win a cup.

[No Fixed Abode]

They're going to have to take this cup srsly as Jose needs to win something or at
the very least have a decent run in the cup comps.

^very much my thinking. I reckon their shambolic PL campaign so far works against us as he will be desperate to win a cup.

Must have been a tough draw for you Winston. How will you decide which team to support?

[Kitsondinho]

Last season Man Utd drew Sheffield Utd at home in the 3rd Round and got given the Saturday evening slot on BT (won 1-0 thanks to a 93rd minute Rooney penalty)

It's also worth noting they play Hull in the EFL Cup on the Tuesday following our game, so that rules out Sunday/Monday

So Friday night, Saturday lunchtime or Saturday evening are the 3 choices then.....

I'll wager that no flies have ever landed on you have they?

I also know that Christmas is in December and that we always seem to lose to bloody Fulham!

[Stranded]

I find it difficult to believe that Reading will beat Manchester United.

I agree it will be difficult but not impossible - Upsets do happen in the cup and Manchester United are not immune:

Man Utd 0 Leeds 1
Third round, January 2010

Burton Albion 0 Man Utd 0
Third round, January 2006

Man Utd 3 Oldham 3 (aet)
Semi-final, April 1990

Bournemouth 2 Man Utd 0
Third round, January 1984

Whilst I get your point here Forbs, stretching a bit to put a 3-3 draw against a team from the same division as a shock.

Anyway, good draw for us - would only have been bettered if we'd been at home. Got to be better in many ways to have a chance at a major upset than 3 or 4 wins against teams from the Champ again and losing in the QF to the first decent side we draw.

[brighton_royal]

Hi m8,

see you there?!?!

Would saw my arm off to go. Doubt I'd get a ticket nowadays though. If I do I'll be flying up I recks, depends on the date.

I can probably sort you out if you struggle. How many points you got, like 50?

Thanks mate - however just seen I'm on call that weekend

Will see if I can swap out but may be tricky.

[Forbury Lion]

Whilst I get your point here Forbs, stretching a bit to put a 3-3 draw against a team from the same division as a shock

It would be a shock if we held them to a 3-3 draw.

[boycey]

OOF, evening kick off with a night out in Manchester
Beers all day, Old Trafford, couple of garry abletts then on to Sankeys

and people wanted Wycombe or Barrow.

[CountryRoyal]

I'm probably one of the few that really believe in the magic of the (fa) cup. I want us to win every game we play, be it league, cup, friendly or academy. I even take pride when our females win.

Of course I'm less upset about the result but I hold a great deal of importance on the FA Cup. I seem to remember a thread a while ago but I'd 100% take FA Cup over promotion. Would probably still take promotion over just a final appearance, but in my mind it certainly isn't an obvious full gone conclusion as it is for most.

[CountryRoyal]

OOF, evening kick off with a night out in Manchester
Beers all day, Old Trafford, couple of garry abletts then on to Sankeys

and people wanted Wycombe or Barrow.

Woooo sankeys

[genome]

Clearly you've never been on a night out in Barrow-in-Furness

Stuff of legends

[Stockport Royal]

OOF, evening kick off with a night out in Manchester
Beers all day, Old Trafford, couple of garry abletts then on to Sankeys

and people wanted Wycombe or Barrow.

Woooo sankeys

Already requested guestlist spots, Stockport Royal +10

Just say Hobnob to the guy on the door, he'll know what you mean.

[George_]

Saturday 12:30 KO.

[Pepe the Horseman]

That'll do nicely x

[Hendo]

Saturday 12:30 KO.

Going to be an early start then like the Bradford game the other year.

[26-10-06]

I'd imagine it will go straight to season ticket holders in terms of sales, just like Arsenal did?

What you lot reckon?

[George_]

I'd imagine it will go straight to season ticket holders in terms of sales, just like Arsenal did?

What you lot reckon?

Anyone who wants at ticket will get one. We could get up to 11,000.

[Hendo]

I'd imagine it will go straight to season ticket holders in terms of sales, just like Arsenal did?

What you lot reckon?

Anyone who wants at ticket will get one. We could get up to 11,000.

I would've thought that this would be the case - straight to ST holders.

I seem to remember a lot of people saying everyone who wanted an Arsenal ticket would get one as well

[George_]

I'd imagine it will go straight to season ticket holders in terms of sales, just like Arsenal did?

What you lot reckon?

Anyone who wants at ticket will get one. We could get up to 11,000.

I would've thought that this would be the case - straight to ST holders.

I seem to remember a lot of people saying everyone who wanted an Arsenal ticket would get one as well

This time we could get double the allocation of Arsenal, its a lot further & on TV though. Pretty sure if people want one they will get one.

[Hendo]

Anyone who wants at ticket will get one. We could get up to 11,000.

I would've thought that this would be the case - straight to ST holders.

I seem to remember a lot of people saying everyone who wanted an Arsenal ticket would get one as well

This time we could get double the allocation of Arsenal, its a lot further & on TV though. Pretty sure if people want one they will get one.

I pretty much agree with that. I was just throwing the Arsenal ticket issue out there into the conversation. I doubt we will take 11,000 though. I think 7,000-9,000 Top tier behind the goal and the corner bit. Remember being in the top tier for the 1-1 in the FA Cup.