Jones: Manchester United tie brings some 'added spice' to Royals cup clash

Luton manager Nathan Jones knows full well there is a massive incentive at stake for his side against Reading in the Carabao Cup second round this evening, with the winners at home to Premier League giants Manchester United in the next stage.

Should Town see off the Royals at the Madejski Stadium, then they will face the Red Devils at Kenilworth Road for the first time since a Division One clash in 1992, when current assistant boss Mick Harford scored in a 1-1 draw.

Even though it would be in front of an empty stadium, due to the current coronavirus social distancing measures in place, Jones would still relish the opportunity to take on the five time winners, saying: “There’s a magnificent prize awaiting for the winner so it’s a bit of added spice.

“Any time you play against Man United, whether it be a friendly, FA Youth Cup, it’s always a big occasion because it’s Man United so we would like to test ourselves against Man United.

“It’s not like suddenly we want to swap shirts or I’d like to shake hands with Ole Gunnar (Solskjær), it’s one of those things where we want to test ourselves.

“We gathered a little bit of momentum when I was here previously.

"We always loved going up against sides and going after them, not being cagey and fearful but going after them and that’s no different, we would like that opportunity.”

Jones has often changed his team around in Carabao Cup, particularly during the early rounds, and when asked whether he could do so this evening, ahead of a busy start to the Championship campaign, he continued: "We’re looking to win the game, so we’re looking to play a team that’s capable of beating Reading.

"It’s going to be a tough game, because they were the only side to beat us since we’ve come back and they’ve started exactly the same as us with two wins, a fine win at Derby at the weekend too.

"We’re in good form, so we have to make sure we’re not sentimental tomorrow, we pick a side that is strong enough to represent Luton and try and win the game.”

If Jones does opt to alter his side from the 1-0 win at Barnsley on Saturday, then keeper James Shea could be involved, with Croatian international Simon Sluga rested.

The former Arsenal stopper knows that any thoughts of a tie with United have to be put to one side, adding: "All we can do is beat Reading, we’ve got to play Reading first and that will be a tough game.

"Fingers crossed we can get through that and then we’ll play a great side, but it’s a big if at the minute, we’ve got to go to Reading and put on a good performance.

"Both teams are going to go out there wanting to win, no-one knows what team they’re going to put out yet as the games come thick and fast.

"If we can go there and get a win and then play Man United in the next round it will be great."