With Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves all missing, United's game was missing an added dimension that probably would have been enough to win this contest within ninety minutes.

Despite dominating proceedings, the Red Devils carved out few opportunities and the game emphasised the club's need to sign a new striker if we have any chance of emulating last season's incredible achievements.

Darren Fletcher had United's best first-half chance. He somehow failed to poke home Nani's cross from only yards out. The Scotsman had an open goal in front of him - but the ball seemed to get stuck beneath his foot and was cleared to safety.

Nani was in a buoyant mood and ran rings around Sol Campbell all afternoon. However, despite the winger's creative spark - United couldn't break the deadlock. Fletcher sent a delicious chip against the crossbar, Carlos Tevez missed a handful of chances whilst Ryan Giggs scuffed an effort wide.

Harry Redknapp's men had another let-off soon after the hour as Hermann Hreidarsson pulled down Tevez in the box. Referee Peter Walton wasn't interested and fierce cries for a penalty were ignored. Fraizer Campbell followed Wes Brown and Michael Carrick off the bench but the frustration rumbled on.

Pompey somehow held on and the game went to penalty-kicks. United won the toss and the spot-kicks were taken in front of the 30,000-strong Red Army. Justice was done - as Portsmouth demonstrated how to 'bottle it' in perfect fashion.

Jermaine Defoe scored - but Lassana Diarra and Glenn Johnson sent their efforts embarrassingly high and wide, whilst Arnold Mvuemba's effort was blocked by Edwin van der Sar's legs. Meanwhile, Tevez, Giggs and Carrick all drilled home to seal more silverware for the Red Devils.

This game certainly wasn't a classic. United were by far the better side - but need to show a lot more composure in attack. There was a strong pre-season feel to proceedings but it was great to see the Reds get their hands on the Shield once again. Now for the Premier League and the Barcodes next Sunday.

Full Time - Manchester United 0-0 Portsmouth
(United win 3-1 on penalty-kicks)
Attendance - 84,808

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville (Brown 66), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, O'Shea (Carrick 66), Scholes, Giggs, Nani (Campbell 79), Tevez.
Substitutes Not Used: Kuszczak, Evans, Possebon, Da Silva.

Portsmouth FC: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson (Lauren 79), Diop, Pedro Mendes (Mvuemba 75), Diarra, Kranjcar (Utaka 60), Crouch, Defoe.
Substitutes Not Used: Ashdown, Sahar, Cranie, Traore.

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