Roo & Ron Late Show.

Reading 0 - Manchester United 2
Scorers
Manchester United : Rooney 78, Ronaldo 90

Team : Edwin Van der Sar, Evra, Rio, Vidic, Brown, Hargreaves (Nani 70), Carrick, Park (Giggs 46), Ronaldo, Tevez (Fletcher 80), Rooney

For some unforeseen reason, Reading has always been a tough team for us since they got promoted. Steve Coppell's side has always found something extra when they faced his former employers.

Today's game was no exception. Had it not been for some desperate defending, we could have concided early. We didn't help ourselves very much with some really poor passing that encouraged our opponents. Carrick just doesn't help himself. After playing brilliantly last weekend, he's come down to earth in the most emphatic fashion. Apparently he shows up once every 20 games or so. At least his presence doesn't hurt the team...much.

That's not to say that we didn't create chances ourselves. In fact we created a boatload of chances but just couldn't find the target. And when we did, that huge American, Hahnemann, stood in the way.

All I can say is that it was pretty damn frustrating to watch us pound on the door but simply cannot find a way in. It was much the same in the second half, with Reading having the early chances and us not finding the killer touch later on. For a moment there I was tempted to feel that it just wasn't our night. To be really honest, I was just glad that Reading hadn't taken their chances.

Just as the game looked like it was going to be a scoreless draw, Tevez's lofted ball found Rooney in the penalty area. With a somewhat cheeky but well intended flick, Rooney directed the ball beyond Hahnemann and into the far corner of the goal. Despite being a little unorthodox, it was a masterful touch.

The remainder of the game was quite frankly a little nerve-wrecking. Reading poured forward for the equalizer and their endeavours were nearly rewarded in the dying minutes when Harper powered thru the midfield into the penalty box. His shot, however, was just wide of the goal. It probably sums up their night, yet at the same time was way too close for comfort.

Apparently Ronaldo heard my thoughts. From a Vidic headed clearance, he received the ball from our half and ran the full length of the pitch to continue his wonderful goal scoring form.

It was a difficult test, but we weathered the storm and eventually came away with a couple of late goals to seal the victory. With Arsenal and Chelsea both winning their games, we maintained our position on the top of the table....albeit it barely.

The lads should get a good rest until the next game against Spurs in the FA Cup over a week later.