Preview: (P) Portsmouth v United …
A testing trip to Portsmouth awaits Sir Alex’s men as they chase their first three points of the new campaign.
Shorn of the effervescent Wayne Rooney, United will look to newly signed Carlos Tevez to plug the gap against Harry Redknap’s south coast side, which will be looking to beat United for the fourth time in five home Premiership meetings.
The Argentine striker admits he is ready for the challenge. “I feel a wonderful amount of relief now to actually be here at United and I’m now getting myself prepared for the games that are coming up,” he told MUTV.
“It is a dream to wear the United shirt and it will also be a dream to win the title which we will all be working for this season.
“It is a huge learning curve but I feel I have grown as a player now I’m just getting ready to play for United.”
Portsmouth have improved since United lost on their last visit to Fratton Park in April. England prospect David Nugent has arrived from Preston, to join fellow summer recruits Sylvain Distain, Sulley Muntari and John Utaka. Pompey also boast Pedro Mendes, who can be dangerous when shooting from distance and Sol Campbell, who was outstanding in last season’s cup clash with United.
Yet Redknapp cannot be certain which Portsmouth team will turn up for the match. Will it be the tormentor of the bigger teams which enjoyed a marvellous campaign last year or the side that failed to hold onto a lead against relegation favourites Derby in this season’s opening match?
United will hope for the latter and also for a better reward from the purpose, pace and endeavour which they displayed against Reading. Scholes will be a key man and United will also look to Carrick to make his forward contribution more telling.
What the manager must fear however, is Tevez’ rustiness and a overall lack of a cutting edge given the absence of Rooney, Saha and Solskjaer. If the match looks like going away from United, will there be a genuine striker on the bench to whom Fergie might turn?
Now is the time for Ronaldo to be both provider and poacher.
