Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell marvels at Marcus

13 Aug 2007 - 07:37:46

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Reading boss Steve Coppell praised Marcus Hahnemann as his side held on to take a hard-earned point from a goalless draw at Manchester United.

The USA keeper made a string of fine saves to deny United time and again, only six weeks after having hand surgery.

"When he got back to us he couldn't have saved a tennis ball," said Coppell.

"He had no strength in his hand whatsoever. But the progress he has made and diligent work he has undertaken over the last six weeks is a credit to him.

"We are a small club and the amount of investment coming from abroad into these shores is something we can't compete with.

"It's hard coming here to Old Trafford. It would have been easy for us to play an expansive game here and lose.

"We chose to play the game a certain way and keep the match muted."