There was cause for concern before kick-off with United missing a host of stars. The Reds were at full strength at the back and up front - but the midfield quartet of John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and jet-lagged Anderson didn't breed confidence.

United, nevertheless, performed well throughout with Scholes and Anderson impressive in midfield. Carlos Tevez, who has spent the last week in Argentina and then Belarus, also played a blinder and ran his socks off in attack.

Keen to put their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelski behind them, Pompey started brightly and Papa Bouba Diop's long-range effort whistled passed Edwin van der Sar's post after just twelve seconds.

However, despite the slow start, United soon settled into their stride and started to dictate the play. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes both tested David James before Fletcher's opening goal gave the visitors a deserved lead. The Scotsman latched onto a Patrice Evra cross and, via Campbell's boot, hit the roof of David James' net to the delight of the travelling Red Army.

United had chances to double their lead - with Portsmouth's second real chance of the match not coming until the hour mark. Substitute Jerome Thomas forced VDS into a block with a piledriver strike - but it was a rare moment for Harry Redknapp's men who struggled to carve out opportunities.

As the game wore on, United seemed increasingly content to protect their single-goal lead and the home side enjoyed more possession. However, they were always lacking a creative spark and United comfortably held on to claim a well-earned win. Next up is the Uefa Super Cup and a chance for more silverware.

Good work Reds.

Full Time - Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 20,540

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

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Fletcher, Anderson (Possebon 76), Scholes, Evra, Rooney, Tevez.
Substitutes Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Fabio Da Silva, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson, Campbell.

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