The Blades travel to Berkshire having seen their lead cut to four points at the weekend after defeat at Blackburn, coupled with Middlesbrough’s 5-0 hammering of the Royals.
Heckingbottom mounted a passionate defence of Sander Berge before boarding the coach south, and also faces big decisions in other areas of his side.
So we tasked our man to step into Heckingbottom’s shoes and select the side he would send out to face Reading – and here’s what he went for ...
9. Sander Berge
A big decision between Berge and James McAtee. United need to see more from Berge than they have in recent games but whichever option Heckingbottom plumps for, there is some real quality there Photo: Simon Bellis
10. Iliman Ndiaye
Goes into the game searching for his first league goal in almost two months but his strike against Spurs recently showed exactly why he is amongst the first names on the teamsheet Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Oli McBurnie
It wasn’t his afternoon at Ewood Park – and he wasn’t alone in that, to be fair – but he’s earned his chance by being United’s top scorer this season. But United need him and Ndiaye to rediscover their great early-season form soon Photo: Simon Bellis