Reading manager Brian McDermott has admitted that his side will have to "do it the hard way" if they are to progress through to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Reading travel to Old Trafford to play Premier League leaders Manchester United and McDermott is under no illusions as to the difficulty of the task that faces them on Monday evening.

McDermott told Sky Sports News: "This is the toughest game you can have, if we are going to get into the next round, we are going to have to do it the hard way.

"We won't be favourites at Old Trafford, we know that, but it is just a fantastic opportunity for our players and we are looking forward to it."

Reading were involved in a seven-goal thriller with Manchester United earlier in the season, when they were on the end of a 4-3 defeat.