EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Manchester United played Portsmouth to obtain the Community Shield. United was dominant throughout the game but was unable to score any goals. Multiple opportunities to score were wasted by the United side: Fletcher failed to produce with a beautiful cross by Nani, and David James denied an excellent attempt by Carlos Tevez. James managed to stop another beautiful curling shot from Tevez later on. Fletcher almost made up for his earlier failure when James punch-cleared the ball out of the box. Fletcher lobbed the ball high but James was in form and tipped it over the goal. Giggs succeeded in looking like a fool when he attempted to take a clear shot which should have gone in but instead wobbled wide of the goal. United manager Ferguson has been attempting to find a solid striker for his team since Ronaldo is out for about another month with his recent ankle surgery, and Wayne Rooney is out sick. This game seemed to increase the urgency surrounding United’s lackluster offense.

With the offense capabilities of the team limited, Ryan Giggs was up front with Tevez; however, he was not very effective. Nani was the best player on the field directing the attack. The moment that United had to take the last pass or the final shot it seemed to be wasted. Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe were ineffective and played no role in the game. Crouch was transferred from Liverpool to Portsmouth July 7th for about €11 million.

In the end the game proceeded to penalty kicks. Portsmouth was an utter failure in this and managed to miss the goal twice and have one shot stopped. United won 3-1 on penalties.