Rooney bags match-ball with south coast show

Despite being second best for much of the first-half, Manchester United sealed a fine 4-1 victory at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon. Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick, including two penalties, as Avram Grant was once again made to suffer at the hands of the Red Devils.

Pompey, buoyed by the appointment of Grant, started brilliantly and put United under early pressure. The Reds were struggling to keep possession in midfield, and the Fratton Park faithful sensed a huge win on the cards, before a twist of luck on 25 minutes handed United the initiative.

Michael Brown brought down Rooney in the box and a spot-kick was awarded. The England frontman picked himself up and slotted home from twelve yards to the delight of the travelling fans.

Pompey, however, were back on level terms seven minutes later. They can consider themselves lucky to have been awarded the game's second penalty, Nemanja Vidic penalised for tugging Frederic Piquionne's shirt. Kevin-Prince Boateng fired home from the spot to restore parity, and it stayed that way at the break.

Sir Alex Ferguson, kicking-off his two match ban, clearly read the riot act to his players at the break and United started to boss proceedings. Rooney put United back ahead on 48 minutes, firing home a curling cross from Giggs, and Pompey's heads dropped.

The striker completed his hat-trick with a penalty after the lively Giggs was hauled down by Piquionne, before the Welshman bagged a goal of his own late on with an excellent 25-yard free-kick.

The result keeps the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table as attentions switch to the League Cup for Tuesday's clash at home to Spurs.

Full Time - Portsmouth 1-4 Manchester United
Attendance - 20,482