Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wary of Reading threat

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United to learn from their slip-up at Norwich City ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to Reading on Saturday.

United have won successive games against Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United in the Premier League after suffering a 1-0 defeat by Chris Hughton’s side at Carrow Road.

Reading are currently in 19th place and boast just one win since their return to the top flight, but Ferguson believes the Royals are an improving side who cannot be taken lightly.

“I think away games are getting more difficult in the Premier League,” Ferguson said. “Our game at Norwich is a good example of that.

“Norwich fought like tigers. They were really organised and motivated and made it a difficult day for us and I think we can expect the same at Reading.

“When Brian became manager there it took him a little bit of time to get his ideas across but look at the second half of last season – they came from
nowhere to win the league.

“They’re definitely a club that are improving and although they’ve not had a lot of wins, they’re always hard games against them. I expect what we got at Norwich – a really difficult game.”

The 70-year-old revealed that wingers Nani and Antonio Valencia are both still unavailable for selection, but the Scot confirmed that defender Nemanja Vidić has returned to first-team training.

“Nani and Valencia are still out,” he added. “Nani will be out for four or five weeks. It’s a hamstring injury and you have to take your time with it.

“Antonio should be fit for next week. He’s got a hip injury, which is painful, but getting better.”

“Nick Powell has had a virus but should be okay for tomorrow and Giggs had a slight hamstring strain but should also be okay.

“Nemanja Vidic has started training, which is good news, and Paul Scholes is back from suspension. It’s quite late for Scholesy to get a suspension – it’s usually about October!

“It’s amazing that we’ve had defensive injuries for such a long period and now we’ve got the defenders back we’ve got two wide players injured. That’s the game for you. Everyone else is fine.”