An action-packed first-half produced seven goals but United’s decision to shut up shop after the break means the net failed to bulge in the second 45. Reading’s cut-price assets make a persuasive case ahead of the double Gameweek, while Wayne Rooney bags a brace as the visitors move three points clear of City at the top:

On the Up

Wayne Rooney
Amongst the goals for the first time since Gameweek 8, Rooney produced his third double figure return in nine starts in this evening’s incredible match at the Madejski. Clearly, he’s still head of Robin Van Persie as United’s first-choice spot-kick taker and priced 2.0 less than the Dutchman, looks a real differential with an ownership of less than 7%.

Jonny Evans
The Irishman earned an assist for United’s converted spot-kick and maintained his recent steady form. Evans has now produced a goal, an assist, a clean sheet and three bonus points in the last three (an average of seven points per game), though with Nemanja Vidic possible returning in the midweek Champions League match with Cluj, would-be investors will be wary.

Adam Le Fondre
While Pavel Pogrebnyak continues to remain a peripheral figure for Brian McDermott’s side, Le Fondre’s eye for goal is clearly crucial to Reading’s attacking forays. His header from a Nicky Shorey corner took the score to 2-2 against United and was his third strike in four games – at 4.8, he served a timely reminder of his cut-price potential ahead of double Gameweek 16.

Nicky Shorey
He’s created chances aplenty for Reading over the last few matches and his corner kick duties highlighted the left-back’s cut-price appeal. A pair of assists against United will earn the 4.1 priced defender plenty new owners over the next few days ahead of the Royals’ double.

Hal Robson-Kanu
The winger earned a fourth consecutive start on the Royals’ right flank and shifted onto Fantasy radars by firing home the opener against United. With an assist also to his name over the last four, Robson-Kanu certainly looks likely to keep his place ahead of next week’s trips to Southampton and Sunderland.

Going Down

Rafael
Tormented on the flank by Jobi McAnuff, he picked up a booking and seemed unable to cope with the Royals winger. Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to sub him off after just 30 minutes will be a real worry for the Brazilian’s owners.

United Defence
Conceding for the first time in a match once again, Sir Alex Ferguson’s backline continued their dire defensive form. The midweek clean sheet against West Ham seems almost an anomaly – United have now shipped 12 goals on the road, just one less than Reading and, as Evans showed today, their defenders are relying on attacking returns to justify any sort of investment.