Manchester United vs Reading live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford

Stam will return to Old Trafford for the first time as a manager (Getty)

Saturday sees the return of the FA Cup third round, with 25 ties to be played today, starting with Manchester United vs Reading at Old Trafford.

Jaap Stam returns to his former club for the first time since he was abruptly sold by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2001 following revelations in his autobiography.

Follow the live blog below…

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It’s a big game for…

Marcus Rashford: United youngster Rashford has made the majority of his appearances off the bench recently and he will be hoping to be given the chance from the beginning here. He made an instant impact to set up Juan Mata’s opener against West Ham in the last game. After jinking his way down the left-wing, he laid it on a plate for the Spaniard. Whether Mourinho believes he merits a start for that performance remains to be seen.

Best stat…

1: Of the two teams’ 18 meetings, Reading have only won one against United – nearly 70 years ago and also an FA Cup tie. On January 17th 1927, Reading celebrated a 2-1 victory.

Remember when…

Back in 2012, in a topsy-turvy Premier League match, Manchester United beat Reading 4-3 at the Madejski. Hal Robson-Kanu put the hosts in front but strikes from Anderson and Wayne Rooney saw United take a 2-1 lead. Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison put the Royals back in front, but Rooney got his second to level proceedings once more. Robin Van Persie then gave the visitors the lead before the break and ultimately handed the three points to United.

Player to watch…

Yann Kermorgant: The 35-year-old forward has scored seven goals in 21 matches this term and has three in his last two games. This includes two late strikes against Bristol City to turn the game on its head last time out. The veteran French striker will be looking to use his flair to weave through the gaps in the United defence, who will have to keep an eye on him.

Past three meetings…

Manchester United 1 (Rooney) Reading 0, Premier League, March 2013

Manchester United 2 (Hernandez, Nani) Reading 1 (McAnuff), FA Cup, February 2013

Reading 3 (Robson-Kanu, Le Fondre, Morrison) Manchester United 4 (Anderson, Rooney 2, van Persie), Premier League, December 2012

Form guide…

MANCHESTER UNITED: WWWWWW

READING: LWLWWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 12:30,Saturday 7th January

TV: Live on BT Sport 2

Odds…

MANCHESTER UNITED TO WIN: 1/5

READING TO WIN: 14/1

DRAW: 11/2

(Odds provided by Betfair)

[7 January 2017 10:45 · Jack Austin]

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Saturday’s FA Cup third round action.

Jaap Stam will make his first competitive return to Old Trafford since leaving in 2001 as Manchester United face the Dutchman’s Reading side in the 12.30pm kick off.

Arsenal are also in action away to Preston in the late kick off as Arsene Wenger looks to name a much-rotated side at Deepdale.

Other stand-out ties include Everton vs Leicester City, Hull vs Swansea and non-league Sutton United at home to AFC Wimbledon.

Stay tuned for all the latest action, goals and updates from around the grounds here…

[7 January 2017 10:57 · Joe Miles]

[7 January 2017 11:05 · Joe Miles]

[7 January 2017 11:12 · Joe Miles]

As Jaap Stam returns to his old stomping ground, he will be hoping to put an astounding end to United's seven game win streak in all competitions. Mourinho's men are currently sitting at sixth in the BPL table, so there are certainly weaknesses to exploit for the Championship side.

Line-ups should be announced in around 20 minutes. Stay tuned for all the build up. 

[7 January 2017 11:24 · Joe Miles]

One to watch today...

Tyler Blackett is also facing his former club at Old Trafford today, with intentions to raise the roof and cause an upset in this third-round clash. The 22-year-old joined Reading after just seven United starts in two years with the club. 

[7 January 2017 11:32 · Joe Miles]

Here is how the two sides will line-up today at Old Trafford: 

[7 January 2017 11:45 · Joe Miles]

[7 January 2017 11:52 · Joe Miles]

The scene is set for a fanatic FA Cup fixture. Kick-off is at 12:30 to begin today's proceedings. 

[7 January 2017 11:56 · Joe Miles]

How will the absence of these two United stars effect today's clash at Old Trafford? 

[7 January 2017 12:07 · Joe Miles]

The Reading boss marches onto the Old Trafford turf - no doubt reflecting on his time with the Red Devils. However, he's entering this match with his strongest starting side that will be hoping to continue their fine run of form. The underdogs could cause an upset for Mourinho's men today.