RedsUnite: a man utd blog

Match Preview: Manchester United v Portsmouth

Portsmouth travel to Old Trafford today as one of the strongest road sides in the EPL. Touting the fourth strongest away form in the Premiership, the Blues travel north with hopes of building upon that strength. While the likely absence of Nemanja Vidic may make the task seem less daunting, Pompey’s mass departures for the African Cup of Nations has left the Blues a weakened side. They have won their last two contests, however, if only against the likes of Derby County and Plymouth Argyle, so the Reds should be cautious in their optimism.

Winners of three of their last five away contests, Pompey has not experienced such successes in recent trips to Manchester. Winning the last five contests against Portsmouth at Old Trafford by a combined tally of 13-2, United has had their way with Portsmouth at Old Trafford. If this season’s form is any indicator, today’s match should be no different. Undefeated at home and winners of 11 of 12 at Old Trafford, Manchester United should have the class to dismantle the undermanned Blues.

Today may feature the premier of Milan Baros for Pompey, as the aforementioned departures have forced Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp to bring in some reinforcements. Baros will look to exploit the unfamiliarity and miscommunication displayed at times between Wes Brown, Vidic’s likely replacement, and Rio Ferdinand. I don’t like Baros’ chances, however, as United’s have conceded only two goals in their last five home contests.

United enter today looking up at Arsenal. The Gunners duplicated this weekend’s scoreline, beating Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle side 3-0 for the second time in a short spell. The pressure will, once again, reside with Sir Alex’s men, as there is little room for error. If only for psychological reasons heading into our fifth round FA Cup draw, it is important that we do not concede ground to Arsene Wenger’s side. Arsenal, while young and not nearly as deep as some sides, have proven repeatedly that they have no intentions of slipping.

Again, as it often seems, United should win this match based on all measurable criteria. We are the stronger, deeper and sharper of the sides and that should translate into tonight’s match against a weakened Pompey side that has struggled at Old Trafford. A fortress of late, Old Trafford has been a difficult place for any club to take anything away from. I look for United to win easily, 3-0.

We Can’t Play Under These Conditions

Stories are being kicked around today about Fergie’s tirade following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Tottenham. His venom was not directed at his players, however, but at the groundsman. Never one to shy away from the dramatic, Fergie claimed that United’s title aspirations could be jeopardized if the substandard pitch is not replaced. With the stadium extended in size, the pitch has suffered from the lack of sunshine and wind that has resulted. The cost of replacing the turf is said to be around £250,000. Considering the Glazers blow their snot into smaller currency, I suppose they should relay some new sod. We pay Cristiano Ronaldo nearly that much every two weeks, so to inhibit his abilities by forcing him to play on a pocked pitch is silly.

Blog Report

• Man City and Newcastle make it a week not to forget…(A Kick In The Grass)
• You Believe Evra wants £120,000 a week? Really? (Republik of Mancunia)
• FA Cup 5th Round Here We Come (RedConspiracy)
• Man Utd v Portsmouth Preview (Red Rants)

Here’s hoping for a solid result tonight. Let me know what you think of our chances….