Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth

7 months ago 23rd Apr 10:25

Manchester United retained their place at the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson made nine changes to the side that lost to Everton at Wembley on Sunday including Wayne Rooney, who got United's first girl after just nine minutes.

The goal started with Anderson who passed to Giggs on the left flank and, despite Pompey appealing for offside, sent a cross to Rooney who slotted home.

The goal seemed to deflate Portsmouth and the first half saw United create a series of opportunities only to waste them. O'Shea saw his header cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj and keeper David James blocked Giggs when Rooney played him in.

Darren Fletcher had a chance in the dying seconds of the first half but he sent his shot wide.

Portsmouth showed little attacking premise, apart from Peter Crouch, during the first half.

After the break, Rooney continued to impress, releasing Giggs into the area with a flick but James came off his line to clear.

Portsmouth posed a threat on the hour mark when Glenn Johnson broke free in the area and Van der Sar was forced to push his low cross away.

Pennant wasted another good shot for Pennant, getting into the area unmarked but choosing to cross to Crouch instead of shooting, Crouch could only volley wide. The duo combined again when Pennant's free kick found Crouch but his header was saved by the keeper.

Ferguson brought Michael Carrick on for Anderson on with fourteen minutes left and the move paid off as Carrick sealed the win for United after just six minutes on the pitch. Paul Scholes sent a great pass onto Carrick's path which he fired into the bottom corner.