United could have been ahead as early as the fifth minute. Glenn Johnson fouled Fraizer Campbell in the box - and a penalty was awarded. Tevez fired home from twelve yards - but the referee ordered a re-take - and the Argentineans second effort smashed against the woodwork.

Campbell missed a one-on-one later in the half as United stamped their authority on the game - but the deadlock was not broken until the 50-minute mark. Eagles, enjoying an impressive pre-season so far, drilled a powerful effort passed a helpless David James.

Tevez doubled the advantage twelve minutes later as he charged through the Portsmouth defence before unleashing a powerful shot that beat James at his near-post. It was a spectacular strike from the frontman in sweltering conditions.

The pace of the game slowed in the closing stages but there was time for the FA Cup holders to grab consolation. England forward Defoe poked a neat effort passed Ben Amos to set-up a nervy few moments but United held on for the win.

Prior to kick-off, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the primary motivation behind this fixture was money. United, having completed their tour of South Africa the previous day, fielded an under-strength XI and the Nigerian public voted for their feet. Less than 30,000, much fewer anticipated, were Abuja's National Stadium.

The fans that were there seemed to be backing United - with the natives giving almost universal support to the European Champions. Just 11 loyal Pompey fans had made the expensive, long-haul journey from the south coast for this one. Whilst United proudly boast a massive fan base in Nigeria; it's a sad fact that support for Premier League clubs in the country is probably killing it's national league and native clubs.

Pompey and United will meet against at Wembley in two weeks time with the Community Shield on the line. Before that, the Reds have friendlies against Espanyol, Peterborough and Juventus.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-1 Portsmouth
Attendance - 30,000

Manchester United: Kuszczak (Amos, 76); Neville, Vidic, Evans (Cathcart, 65), Silvestre; Gibson (Possebon, 73), Carrick (O'Shea, 65), Scholes, Eagles (Cleverley, 79); Tevez (Giggs, 65), Campbell.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Pamarot (Primus, 40), Hriedarsson (Traore, 46), Utaka (Little, 44), Diop (Mvuemba, 66), Mendes (Davis, 46), Kranjcar (Lauren, 46), Defoe, Crouch.

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