Community Shield: Manchester United V. Portsmouth

Manchester United are making their 25th appearance in the FA Community Shield, formerly known as the Charity Shield, and are attempting to claim the silverware exactly 100 years after doing so on the first occasion it was contested. Portsmouth, who won the FA Cup in May, return to the scene of their 1-0 triumph over Cardiff to compete for the shield for a second time. Their only previous appearance was in 1949, when as champions of England they drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and shared the silver platter

By Citizen Correspondent Sir Stephen

Date Posted: 08/08/08

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Date: Sunday, 10 August
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium

The Community Shield is the final stage in the pre-season preparations for the league champions and the FA Cup winners from last season, but both Manchester United and Portsmouth are slightly limping into it not looking entirely ready for the start of 2008/09. This is clearly a matter of concern for both Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp, but at least one of them got some good news this week to help smooth over some of the creases.

Wednesday night's announcement by Cristiano Ronaldo that he won't be leaving Old Trafford this summer has rid Ferguson of the headache that has been lingering since five minutes after he led Man United to his second Champions League triumph. However, it came on a night where the European champions played out a 0-0 draw with Juventus and struggled to find a cutting edge without the injured Portuguese superstar or the ill Wayne Rooney (suffering the consequences of a pointless friendly against Portsmouth last month), neither of whom will be available for the start of the season.

With Carlos Tevez the only fit recognised first team striker, United are lacking anyone to lead the line against Portsmouth. The Argentinean is highly talented, but does not have the height or the burst of speed required to play up front on his own, while neither Ryan Giggs or young Fraizer Campbell look like a natural fit alongside him.