Shaun Goater might not be wanted or appreciated by Reading . . . but he hasn't been forgotten in the city of Manchester.

The Bermudian striker, who began his professional career at Manchester United and later joined rivals Manchester City where as a perennial top scorer he became a huge fan favourite, yesterday received a standing ovation when he was introduced to the crowd before the local derby.

Two seasons ago Goater scored twice when City defeated their neighbours 3-1 and then in the return fixture came on as a late substitute to head the equaliser for City in a 1-1 draw.

Yesterday's match, which also saw Goater's former team-mate Paul Dickov introduced to the crowd, ended in a 2-0 win for United.

Dickov had scored two goals for Blackburn Rovers in their 3-0 defeat of Norwich a day earlier.

Goater, however, was once again left out of the Reading squad.

He has been consistently snubbed this season by Royals boss Steve Coppell who admitted he isn't prepared to pay Man City the $50,000 which would be owed once the striker makes his 50th appearance for the club.

So far Goater has played 49 times.

Meanwhile, despite the addition of veteran front-man Les Ferdinand, Reading are continuing to struggle in their quest for a promotion play-off spot. On Saturday they were beaten 3-1 by Leeds United.