Manchester United were yesterday crowned winners of the Community Shield after beating Portsmouth 3-1 on penalties. 

Victory was no more that the Premier League champions deserved as Sir Alex Ferguson's side controlled the game which saw them lift what could be the first of seven trophies this season.

 

Although Gary Neville started a game for the first time since March last year, United were without several big names including Wayne Rooney, who is ill, and the injured Cristiano Ronaldo.  However, they dominated proceedings and Dabid James did well to keep last season's FA Cup winners in the game with smart second second-half saves from Carlos Tevez and Darren Fletcher.

 

New signing for Pompey; Peter Crouch, struggled to make an impression and played little part for long spells of the game. 

 

It finished 0-0 at full time and extra time so the game ended with penalties.  Scores came from Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Carrick.  Only Jermaine Defoe was successful in scoring a penalty for Portsmouth.

 

Is this the start of Man United's winning spree for the season??

 

Monday 11th August 2008