LONDON // Manchester United repeated their Moscow heroics by claiming the Community Shield with a penalty shootout win over Portsmouth. There was none of the same drama of their Champions League final success over Chelsea though as United dispatched three successful spot-kicks, while only Jermain Defoe managed to beat Edwin van der Sar in the United goal.
It represented the first of what could turn out to be seven trophies for the Red Devils this season. But more importantly for Sir Alex Ferguson it emphasised the class United proved last season still remains as they prepare for the defence of their Premier League and Champions League crowns. It was always United who looked most likely to create a clear opening, which eventually arrived at Darren Fletcher's feet just past the half hour.
With the England coach Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Glen Johnson would have been mildly embarrassed to be robbed so easily by Nani. The winger's cross caught the Portsmouth defence flat-footed. But, Fletcher somehow managed to get the ball stuck under his feet. After spurning the earlier golden opportunity, Fletcher came agonisingly close again with a superb chip that David James touched on to the bar.
But in the end, it went down to penalties. And this time there was no pressure for United at all. It all bodes well for Ferguson's men as they open the defence of their Premier League crown at home to Newcastle. * PA Sport