Fletcher Goal Enough For United

Picture Courtesy Of BBCSport

Portsmouth 0 Man.Utd 1

Darren Fletcher deflected goal was enough to give United’s first victory at Fratton Park. With Tevez and Anderson back United were always going to be the better team. But Pompey went close after just 12 seconds when Papa Bouba Diop’s shot whistled past the post. Rooney then had a great chance but hit it straight at James from just 12 yards out. After a slow start, United showed their flamboyancy and Rooney nearly made it 2 but shot wide after a brilliant first touch and turn. But chances were rare for Pompey in the second half as the only notable chance was Diop swirling shot at Van Der Sar.

Portsmouth: James (6) Kaboul (5) Campbell (6) Distin (6) Johnson (7) Diop (7) Davis (6) (Utaka 66 (6) ) Diarra (7) Armand Traore (6) (Thomas 56 (6)) Crouch (6) Defoe (7)
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Sahar.

Booked: Diop, Defoe.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (7) Brown (6) Ferdinand (7) Vidic (6) O’Shea (6) Fletcher (7) Anderson (6) (Possebon 76 (6) ) Scholes (8) Evra (8) Rooney (7) Tevez (8)
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Fabio Da Silva, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson, Campbell.

Booked: Brown, Fletcher.

Goals: Fletcher 32.

Att: 20,540

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Man Of The Match: Patrice Evra His cross assisted Fletcher’s goal and when Peter Crouch was in on goal he stole it right of his feet. Played well in Midfield and deputised for the absent Ryan Giggs.

Flop Of The Match: Younes Kaboul: Not the ideal home debut for any player. Tevez was too good for him and he was all over the place.