A Juan Mata penalty and a first-half added-time strike from Romelu Lukaku was enough to see off Championship strugglers Reading at Old Trafford. It wasn't the best United display of the Norwegian's caretaker era but following an arduous Christmas and New Year period, the new-look Reds came through comfortably enough, despite some scary moments that threatened a second successive clean sheet.
Inevitably with such a changed United XI there was a bedding-in process against Reading which led to a ragged opening to the contest.
Solskjaer had made nine changes from the side that had beaten Newcastle at St James’ Park in midweek and the six ever-presents in his first four previous matches in charge as caretaker boss were all given a break following their arduous festive-season programme.