Wonder how it feels like to be playing against your own ex-mate... For you would know his habits, where he likes to stand, how he manoeuvre his way, etc. Similarly, on Teddy Sheringham side, having such a sharp mind, would definitely know how his ex-mates defends and those strategies deployed by Alex Ferguson.

First ten minutes into play, both team started off amicably, neither showed the ferocity displayed earlier when Manchester United met Fulham. Somehow felt that the tactic used by the Portsmouth, either Harry Rednapp or Jim Smith, was not effective against United. Following their earlier matches, United had performed badly when under fierce attack for the first half. Well, that is how United is early in the season. Nevertheless, a few shots were made by either team (mostly from Portsmouth), but most went wide.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was seemingly foul but the referee motioned on and there was a break from Portsmouth with three upfront, Teddy in the centre. However, the attacked was closed by United defence.

There was a good chance for United when Diego Forlan went bursting forward with Van Nistelrooy running in, but the pass ballooned.

Portsmouth Patrik Berger made a run from the half way line and managed to fend his ball from United defenders, side-stepped Rio Ferdinand and forced a shot but it went far wide.

Another back-heeled from Yakubu Ayegbini gave team mate Nigel Quashie a chance, but he wasted.

Rio Ferdinand then made a mistake, lost the possession giving Yakubu another chance who fashioned a powerful shot forcing Tim Howard to go down to make the save.

A good through pass sent Van Nistelrooy running forward, where he made very good contact keeping the ball close to him but the shot unfortunately hit the bar!

Yet another pass from Ryan Giggs gave Van Nistelrooy another chance, but the shot went well above the bar.

A cross was made into the box over the far post and Giggs won a header to Forlan where he set United ahead with a well-timed strike!

Although United was leading, they were still far from their Champions' standard, where they really drove fear into their opponents with their offensive squad. Van Nistelrooy, just like Michael Owen, is lacking someone to feed him with inch perfect passes. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out till Christmas, United really need someone who could produce the crosses and passes. If only David Beckham is still around...

Second half started with Portsmouth making most of the offensive. Boris Zivkovic had a good chance when a pass floated from Yakubu but the finishing hearer was well blocked by Howard.

Then a misunderstanding between Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher almost cost United the clean sheet when Berger rushed in. However his pass did not reach Teddy.

United retaliated with Giggs speeding down far left into the box together with Van Nistelrooy, Forlan and Darren Fletcher but his pass met none. Then another pass from Giggs to Van Nistelrooy gave him a chance but the strong defence force him to do a pass that was stole away.

 Darren Fletcher managed to lure the Goal Keeper out and chipped the ball to Nicky Butt and Van Nistelrooy but Butt open header went well pass the far post. Sixty-five minutes past and saw Roy Keane warming up at the side. Wonder if you realise that sometimes that this is a tactic often used by Ferguson to put pressure on their opponents (where they were warmed up all right but were not substituted.)

Portsmouth made a substitution with young Taylor with a few tactical changes as well. Soon after, a through pass was made to Teddy just in front of the goal post, but he stumbled somehow.

Indeed, the tactical changes saw Portsmouth with more possession but United defended well and Giggs had a wonderful run sailing into waves of defenders twisting here and there but his shot came off the back of one of the blue shirts.

Seventy-five minutes had passed and Ferguson substituted Eric Djemba Djemba and Forlan for veteran Keane and promising young Christiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo almost immediately got his first touch and terrorised Portsmouth with his pace, but his pass streaked over the post. By the way, his hair style seems different. Longer perhaps?

Giggs yet another fast-paced run was fouled and Ronaldo stepped up for the free kick. GOAL! Absolutely fantastic! Ronaldo deceiving cross hit ground and made for the goal and the Portsmouth goal keeper Shaka Hislop's touch could not keep it out. Finally, a long waited goal from the talented youngster. Now, we do not have to open his account through a penalty, do we?

Captain Roy Keane got a throw-in and made a spectacular shot that gave United another goal. Lovely use of his body to fend his ball and what a wicked curl.

Another mistake from Ferdinand nearly gave Nigel Quashie a chance but the chance was stolen. Seems that the FA charges had affected his performance.

The whistle blown and United was awarded the three points they deserved.

This is my first submission to the site and yes, I am a Manchester United fan. So, please bear with me if I am, ahem, giving a rather bias view on the match. And oh, I am only familiar with United players and forgive me not giving names of players from other clubs.

 B.Man