Football: Marcus Rashford denied record, as Manchester United overcome Reading to reach FA Cup fifth round

Manchester United's Brazil midfielder Casemiro has scored twice, as they beat second-tier Reading 3-1 to reach the FA Cup fifth round, but Marcus Rashford was denied a record.

Visitors Reading rode their luck and held on, until Casemiro opened the scoring in the 54th minute, cleverly dinking the ball over goalkeeper Joe Lumley from Antony's pass.

The former Real Madrid player extended United's lead four minutes later, with a fizzing shot from 25 metres.

Fred made it 3-0 with a backheel, before Reading had former Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll sent off for a second yellow card, earned for a sliding tackle on Casemiro.

Managed by former title-winning United midfielder Paul Ince, Reading scored a consolation through Amadou Salif Mbengue.

Casemiro celebrates a goal against Reading
Casemiro celebrates a goal against Reading. Photo credit: Getty Images

Rashford thought he had become the first United player to score in 10 successive matches at Old Trafford, when he netted in the first half, but his effort was ruled out for offside by video review.

Reading almost took the lead against the run of play just before the interval, when Junior Hoilett had a great chance, but his close-range shot was well saved by David de Gea.

There was some criticism, when five-time Champions League winner Casemiro joined United in August, with several pundits describing the move as a panic buy, but he has proved instrumental for United this season and was given a standing ovation, after being substituted.

"He's done what he was brought in to do," said United skipper Harry Maguire. "He's a phenomenal player - you don't win what he's won without being a top player. 

"He's improved the team, the morale and the performance." 

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min has returned to form with two goals in his side's 3-0 defeat of second-tier Preston North End.

South Korean Son has endured a lean season, but made the difference with two superb goals after the break, as the visitors moved comfortably through to the next round.

Five minutes into the second half, the ball was played to Son outside the penalty area and he struck an unstoppable drive low into the corner of the net.

It was only his second goal since mid-October, but 19 minutes later, he struck again, turning smoothly on the edge of the box and firing past Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Apart from a brief spell between Tottenham's goals, Preston rarely troubled the away side, who did not even need to bring leading scorer Harry Kane off the bench.

Son Heung-min celebrates a goal against Preston North End
Son Heung-min celebrates a goal against Preston North End. Photo credit: Getty Images

Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma, who signed for Spurs on loan from Spanish club Villarreal this week, came off the bench to score his side's third, with a close-range finish late.

Top flight Fulham were held to a 1-1 home draw by second-tier Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Southampton put their Premier League woes aside to beat Championship strugglers Blackpool 2-1, while Bristol City eased to a 3-0 win over fellow second-tier side West Bromwich Albion.

Reuters