Team News: Manchester United make eight changes

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made eight changes to his side for this afternoon's match against Reading.

Rio Ferdinand, David de Gea and Wayne Rooney are the only players to survive last weekend's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Nemanja Vidic partners Ferdinand at central defence, with Chris Smalling and Alexander Buttner coming in at full-back.

Anderson and Ryan Giggs return in central midfield, while Ashley Young is also back in the starting XI.

Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie complete a three-man attack alongside Rooney, as United bid to go 15 points clear in the Premier League.

Reading caretaker boss Eamonn Dolan makes three changes to his side as Nicky Shorey, Jem Karacan and Gareth McCleary come in for Ian Harte, Hope Akpan and Adam Le Fondre.

Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Buttner, Ferdinand, Vidic, Anderson, Giggs, Young, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie

Reading: Taylor, Shorey, Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Karacan, Leigertwood, McAnuff, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Hunt