It's no league win in the opening four games for Reading. The only consolation was the home fans at least saw a Championship goal from Brendan Rodgers' side.
"I understand the fans' frustrations," the boss said after the game. "They want to see their team winning and have just come to an end of a five-year cycle which brought much success.
"They know we need some players in and we will do that. This is early stages of an exciting project and you saw young players control a game here against a side who will be there or thereabouts this year.
"The situation within the club is that all that money is not available to me but I can't argue against the principles of this club because it has been run very well for 20 years.
"We are going through pain with the young players but it will pay off later on."
Utd boss Kevin Blackwell felt his side were good value for their win and believes his side are keen to make amends for losing in the play-off final last season.
His side were helped on their way to victory by a horrible error by Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici which allowed Ward's shot to squirm over the line but were undeniably the better side in the second half.
Blackwell said: "We created some lovely goals and we looked a good side at times. It could have been five or six. Apart from a 20-minute spell when Reading scored we were dominant.
"We were pipped last season but the players have shown a terrific response so far and are keen to make it this time.
"They could have felt sorry for themselves after last season but have shown real tenacity. Again we went behind here but we moved on and earned the win.
"If anyone can nominate the winner of the Championship now they are a better man than me. It's there for anyone to take and it will be a very exciting season."