Reading boss Brian McDermott was pleased to receive a positive word from Sir Alex Ferguson last week.

Reading crashed to their seventh defeat at Manchester United, despite holding the lead twice in a thrilling 4-3 loss.

But McDermott says the United boss told him he is on the right track.

He said: "It was interesting to have a glass with Sir Alex. He waited for me at the end of the game last week and I spoke to him for 20 minutes.

"Every single one of his staff were there and it was fascinating to stand there and to listen to that guy talk. It reassured me about what I'm trying to do and what I have done at the club is right.

"Listening to him, I know what we're trying to do here is correct."