McGoldrick, strength in depth and 'fatigue' - Key talking points from Sheffield United's FA Cup victory at Reading

Our man Danny Hall discusses some of the key talking points from the game.

Finding a way

So often this season United have outplayed their opponents but here, as Reading refused to capitulate despite conceding an early goal that could have easily seen them go under, they were forced to show their battling qualities as well.

Fortunately that's something this side has in abundance; they simply never know when they are beaten. And as the last few years have shown, that ability and attitude can be a dangerous combination when married up.

Didzy off the mark

It took until early March but David McGoldrick is finally up and running for the season. McGoldrick didn't take the chance like a man still to get off the mark and now the hope will be that it sparks a run of goals - as it did last season, as he helped fire United to promotion.

A popular man

The remarkable thing, for those on the outside of United's group, is that McGoldrick remains such an immensely popular member of United's squad with supporters, despite his lack of goals this season. The reason, for those who watch him every week, is that he is a joy to watch. One flick, to set Oli McBurnie free down the left wing, was worth the entrance fee alone.

Strength

It's perhaps a sign of United's progress under Chris Wilder and Co. that their 'second string', for the want of a better description, 'cup side' would comfortably beat the first team that Wilder inherited when he took charge. To not only improve the first XI but the entire playing squad in such a short space of time, and on a limited budget, is some effort and United are now reaping the rewards on more than one front.

Fatigue?

Wilder was spot on to play so many of his established players - if anything, they needed the game time after the Villa game was postponed - but extra time was not ideal, with a few feeling the effects of cramp. Will that affect Wilder's thinking for this weekend's game against Norwich?