Manchester United 1-1 Reading:Brynjar Gunnarsson nodded home a second-half equaliser to earn in-form Reading an FA Cup fifth round replay with Manchester United.

The hosts appeared to be heading into the last eight after Michael Carrick had driven them in front with virtually the last kick of the opening period.

But, after Cristiano Ronaldo had wasted a glorious chance to double United's lead, Gunnarsson headed John Oster's corner in off the underside of the bar to condemn Alex Ferguson's men to a trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Desperate to avoid a replay, Ferguson instantly threw caution to the wind, introducing Paul Scholes, Henrik Larsson and Patrice Evra in an attempt to force a winner.

It was Reading though who were looking more dangerous and Nemanja Vidic was booked for a heavy tackle on Steve Sidwell.

Adam Federici produced a superb save to deny Larsson, then Evra nodded Stephen Hunt's angled effort away from danger as Reading looked for a winner on the counter-attack.

The final chance fell to Louis Saha in stoppage time but, after a 40-yard burst, he could not find the finish.