Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan has hit back at claims the English Premier League club’s owner, Anton Zingarevich, could select the team for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

Dolan was placed in temporary charge of the Royals on Monday after Zingarevich sacked boss Brian McDermott in a bid to revive the team’s fading hopes of preserving their top-flight status.

Reading are four points from safety following last weekend’s home defeat against fellow strugglers Aston Villa and they face a daunting trip to Old Trafford to face league leaders United in Dolan’s first match.

Zingarevich’s decision to turn to Dolan, who had worked as the club’s academy director for the past eight years, prompted suggestions he would only be a puppet for the Russian owner.

But Dolan, 45, attempted to allay fears of boardroom interference when he held a press conference on Thursday.

“I would never be disrespectful to our owner,” Dolan said. “He’s trying to take the club forward.

“But I’ve not been at a club ever where the board try and pick the team.

“You hear about that abroad but I genuinely don’t think you hear about that in England.”

Asked directly whether Zingarevich would pick the team to play at Old Trafford, a long pause followed, before Dolan said: “Obviously not. He’s asked me to pick the team.

“He’s spoken about trying to get a result and that’s genuinely all he said.

“Anton has spoken to me every day. It’s his football club.

“But I will also speak to Nicky Hammond, who is the director of football.”