Wayne Rooney - recalled after injury - put them on their way with a simple finish from Ryan Giggs's cross after nine minutes. And substitute Michael Carrick wrapped up the win when he fired in an emphatic strike eight minutes from time after Paul Scholes delivered a trademark slide-rule pass on his 600th appearance for United.Sir Alex Ferguson's side produced a performance that was workmanlike rather than spectacular, but United's only objective was the victory that puts them three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand. If there was a disappointment for United, it came in the shape of a missed opportunity to improve their goal difference against a Portsmouth side that rarely troubled keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Giggs was denied twice by England keeper David James, and also missed from close range as United dominated for long spells without emphasising their superiority until Carrick struck late on. (BBC Sport)
