Holders United ‘host’ Reading

City visit Hest Ham

LONDON, Dec 6, (RTRS): Manchester United will begin their FA Cup defence at home to a Reading side managed by their former defender Jaap Stam, while their local rivals Manchester City visit West Ham United in the third round after the draw was made on Monday.

Premier League leaders Chelsea will host Notts County or Peterborough, English champions Leicester City will visit fellow top-flight side Everton, while Liverpool welcome Newport County or Plymouth Argyle in ties to be played between Jan 6-9.

Arsenal, who like Manchester United have won the famous old trophy a record 12 times, travel to Preston North End, while north London rivals and eight-times winners Tottenham Hotspur entertain Aston Villa, who won the FA Cup on seven occasions.

Seventh-tier Stourbridge United, the lowest ranked team left in the competition, face a rearranged second-round tie at home to Northampton Town on Dec 13 before they can contemplate a visit to league Two (fourth-tier) Wycombe Wanderers.

There are four all-Premier League ties, including Hull City at home to Swansea City and Burnley away to Sunderland.

Second-tier Reading’s boss Stam was a favourite during three years at United, where the Netherlands international was part of the famous 1998-99 treble-winning side under Alex Ferguson. He also won league titles either side of that historic season.

Stam’s ex-United team mate Andy Cole expects the Dutchman to get a good reception on his return to Old Trafford.