Fletcher on the mark as United edge Pompey

August 25, 2008

Manchester United earned their first win of the new Premier League season against Portsmouth this evening thanks to a first half goal from Darren Fletcher.

The strike after 32 minutes was the Scot’s second goal of the season after he netted in last weekend’s draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford, condemning Pompey to their second successive loss.

United were able to call on the services of Carlos Tevez and Anderson having missed last weekend while Harry Redknapp gave on loan full back Armand Traore his debut following their horror defensive showing against Chelsea.

And they almost scored after just 12 seconds but a skidding Papa Bouba Diop shot flew inches past the post.

The visitors played their way into the game and went close when David James saved a Paul Scholes free-kick before the England number one was in action again, this time to deny Wayne Rooney after he had made space for himself in the box.

But the Reds’ pressure did tell just after the half hour. Full back Patrice Evra found some room on the left hand side and his low cross was sent into the net from Fletcher via a deflection from Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.

Rooney again went close just before half time, turning and shooting just wide and the game was an hour old before the home side forced Edwin Van der Sar into action; Jerome Thomas’ effort easily saved.

Despite another effort from Diop that was dealt with by Van der Sar, United comfortably held on to their lead and Tevez had chances to increase it, but he wide and sent a free-kick straight at James.

The win moves Sir Alex Ferguson’s team up to third in the table in 4 points, while Portsmouth sit bottom after their opening two matches.

Ross Hart.

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