Fan Report: Portsmouth 1-4 Manchester United

Manchester United recovered from their shock Champions League defeat to demolish Portsmouth and move to within two points of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

A Wayne Rooney hat-trick and Ryan Giggs’ 100th Premier League goal saw Manchester United ruin Avram Grant’s unofficial first game in charge. (Work permit problems prevented the former Chelsea boss from officially taking the reigns.)

Ryan Giggs, who turns 36 tomorrow, showed no signs of old age and created the first chance of the day as he danced through the Pompey defence in the 10th minute, sending a threatening cross right across Asmir Begovic’s goal.

Portsmouth did have some early chances as well, with Kuszczak denying both Aruna Dindane and Jamie O’Hara.

It was United who took the lead though in the 25th minute. Wayne Rooney was adjudged to have been fouled by Michael Brown in the Portsmouth box, and the England international picked himself up to dispatch the spot-kick himself – firing the ball low into the right hand corner past the despairing dive of Begovic.

United were not in front for long however, as six minutes later Portsmouth had a penalty of their own. Kevin Prince Boateng placing a precise strike past Kuszczak and into the back of the net.

Aruna Dindane and Paul Scholes then traded half chances but neither could find the goal, and the sides went into the break on level terms.

It took United only three minutes to regain their lead after the break though. Ryan Giggs guided a lofted ball to Wayne Rooney, who fooled Begovic with a low shot past the stand in keeper.

Fans at Fratton Park were then treated to a third penalty of the match in the 54th minute, as Giggs was judged to have been fouled by Piquionne inside the area. Again Wayne Rooney stepped up and made no mistake in securing his hat-trick. Firing the ball into the left hand side of the net to give United a two goal lead.

With the points wrapped up, all that was left was for Ryan Giggs to cap another fine performance with his 100th Premier League goal – a brilliant birthday present for the veteran midfielder.

Referee Mike Dean awarded United a free-kick in the 87th minute and the Welshman curled a wonderful strike into the bottom corner to secure a 4-1 win, and continue Portsmouth’s long run of bad results.

As we move into the stage of the season where United usually step it up a gear in their pursuit of the title, the question is: Will Chelsea be able to cope as United look to secure a record breaking fourth consecutive league title?

We just might get an early indication tomorrow afternoon as they take on Arsenal in an eagerly awaited London derby.

What were your views of today’s game? Will this win prove to be the platform to drive United forward in the title race?

By Harry Veal