the blog of manchester united

In a few hours time, the annual curtain raiser of English football season will begin where Premier League and European champions, Manchester United will square off against the FA Cup holder, Portsmouth.

United will be without Ronaldo who’s still nursing injury and Rooney who is still recovering from virus caught during pre-season tour in Africa.  Hargreaves and Foster are still injured as well.  Gary Neville though will be fit to feature again in United’s line-up a year after a long absence.

Pompey will be pretty much with full squad with the exception of Kanu, who still still recovering from dead leg.  It’ll be interesting to see how Crouch / Defoe combination square up againts United’ Vidic and Ferdinand partnership.

Predictions: MAN UTD 1 - Portsmouth 0

United will be lacking flair with Ronaldo and Rooney out of the lineup, as well as Nani being suspended, but it’ll be interesting to see how United’s midfield support Tevez upfront.  Defense though will be the key for United tonight.