Irrepressible Ronaldo fires United back to top of the table
Ronaldo was in imperious form against Portsmouth
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Wednesday, 30, Jan 2008 10:53
Cristiano Ronaldo put on a master class against Portsmouth and fired Manchester United to a comfortable 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Arsenal's stay at the top of the Premier league was short-lived as United reclaimed the position in convincing fashion.
Alex Ferguson's side were at their best in the opening 45 minutes as they completely overwhelmed Portsmouth. The second half was subdued by comparison but United had already done enough to secure the win.
United fully deserved to take the lead despite the fact that only ten minutes of the game had passed, the home side had bombarded Portsmouth's goal before Ronaldo beat David James.
Fellow Portuguese winger Nani played a delightful pass to Ronaldo and he chipped the ball over the on-rushing keeper with a sublime touch.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as United ran rampant. Ronaldo stepped-up to a free-kick 25 yards out from goal and lashed it into the top corner, leaving David James unmoved as the ball few past him.
Portsmouth were stunned and continued to defend deep to try and counteract the pace of Ronaldo, Nani and Wayne Rooney. But that handed United a territorial advantage and Pompey were fortunate to go into the break only 2-0 behind.
Although Portsmouth appeared more organised in the second half United continued to dominate proceedings.
Rooney beat Sol Campbell twice but United could not expose Pompey's defensive frailties. The England striker was denied when James got back in time to fend his shot off the line. On another occasion Ronaldo was denied after Rooney had played him in.
United had the luxury of substituting Ronaldo and Rooney with 20 minutes remaining. Alex Ferguson's men were cruising by this stage, keeping the ball with ease while Pompey still offered little threat to Edwin van der Sar's goal.
Nani went close late on but all the plaudits were for Ronaldo who was sat on the bench, satisfied with his night's work.
United remain ahead of Arsenal on goal difference with Chelsea four points further back.