Portsmouth 0 Manchester United 1: The champions stayed in touch with the early pacesetters with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, courtesy of a first half goal from Darren Fletcher.
Manchester United's first win of the new campaign was a deserved one and a crucial one, with visits to Anfield and Stamford Bridge on the horizon. It moves Alex Ferguson's side into fifth on four points, two behind Liverpool and Chelsea.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minunte when Scottish midfielder Fletcher's faint touch at the near post deflected goalward off the despairing Sol Campbell and, despite his best efforts, Sylvain Distin could not prevent the ball from going over the line.
United controlled the game from then on with Portsmouth offering little threat to Edwin van der Sar's goal.
Papa Bouba Diop came closest with a couple of long range efforts, but a United second was always more likely.
Wayne Rooney came closest to extending their lead before the break, firing just wide after an incisive pass from Anderson.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed a "bonus" win for his side after the game
"We played some excellent football," he told Sky Sports 1. "It's a difficult place to come. Last year we drew here, the year before we lost - so it's a bonus."
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