FA Cup: Manchester United take on Reading, Manchester City face West Ham United test

Third round ties will be played between 6-9 January and the fourth round will take place on the last weekend of January

FA Cup known officially as The Football Association Challenge Cup, will make a return in January as all the teams from England will aim to clinch one of the oldest football trophies. Manchester United were the last team to win this title in 2016 under the management of Louis van Gaal.

Man United will begin their FA Cup title defence against Jaap Stam’s Reading after the third round draw was made. The fixture will also be very important and a nostalgic one for Reading boss Jaap Stam as he will make a return to his former club for the first time as a manager.

Stam used to play as the centre back for Red Devils and continued to provide his service for three years until he was sold by Sir Alex Ferguson. He also helped the club win the treble in 1999. Jaap Stam is currently managing Reading F.C. who are looking in good form and can give stiff competition to Jose Mourinho’s side.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright did the honours of conducting the third round draw as the Premier League big boys joined the party. Liverpool will play the winner of Newport County and Plymouth while Arsenal, who hold the record for the most FA Cup wins alongside Manchester United with 12, will visit Championship side Preston.

There will be four all-Premier League ties when the FA Cup resumes early next year. Everton will host Premier League champions Leicester, Sunderland will clash with Burnley, Hull city will face Swansea while Pep Guardiola’s men will travel to London stadium to face West Ham united in another all-Premier League tie. Currently number one team of EPL, Chelsea will play against Championship side Peterborough or Notts County at home.

The third round ties will be played between 6-9 January and the fourth round will take place on the last weekend of January.

FA Cup third round draw in full:

Ipswich Town v Lincoln City

Barrow v Rochdale

Manchester United v Reading

Hull City v Swansea City

Sunderland v Burnley

QPR v Blackburn Rovers

Millwall v AFC Bournemouth

West Ham v Manchester City

Brighton v Charlton or MK Dons

Blackpool v Barnsley