EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Despite Manchester leading the semi-final game with twice as many shots, corners, a complete squad and about 25% more possession, they were unable to produce any results. The last time Portsmouth had won at Old Trafford was in 1957; while Portsmouth played well they were only barely able to prevent Manchester scoring. They were rescued by excellent defending, solid saves from David James (Portsmouth goalkeeper), and multiple unlucky, failed strikes by the Man. U players. At half time Ferguson made an unusual move and substituted out goalkeeper Van Der Saar and put in substitute keeper Kuszczak. This proved to be unfortunate because in the 77th minute Baros was awarded a penalty kick and Kuszczak a red card for tripping Baros in the penalty box. Defender Rio Ferdinand was put in goal and was unable to stop the penalty kick by David Nugent on March 8th.