Wednesday's 2-0 victory sent the Reds three points clear of second-placed Liverpool. And with six games left in the title race, Scholes says that winning is all that matters.
"Whether we play well or we're lucky, it doesn't matter - we just need to make sure we win these games," he says.
"We are coming into the match at a really important time of the season, so hopefully we can get the result that we want."
Scholes made his 600th Reds appearance against Pompey - but even with his considerable experience, it doesn't make challenging for top honours any easier, and he expects a tough test at Old Trafford come Saturday tea-time.
Nothing is guaranteed
Although the Reds also have a game in hand on both Liverpool and Chelsea, the Scottish midfielder is adamant that the reigning champions must retain a steely focus to get the job done.
"It was a massive result after Liverpool only getting a point against Arsenal," Fletcher told MUTV. "It was important that we came out and won. We’re top of the league, three points ahead and we have a game in hand.
"We’re not counting that game in hand because the points aren’t in the bag yet and there are going to be plenty of twists and turns in this season. All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and as long as we keep winning matches then we should win the league."
Tottenham are next up at Old Trafford before attentions switch to the Champions League visit of Arsenal, but Fletch says the players' thoughts haven't turned to the Gunners' mouth-watering visit just yet.
"We’ve got three massive home games," he said. "We got Portsmouth out of the way, now we look to Tottenham. We can only look to our next game and try and get three points in that. That’s always the case just now: concentrate on your next match and don’t get too far ahead of yourself."
"It was a massive result after Liverpool only getting a point against Arsenal," Fletcher told MUTV. "It was important that we came out and won. We’re top of the league, three points ahead and we have a game in hand.
"We’re not counting that game in hand because the points aren’t in the bag yet and there are going to be plenty of twists and turns in this season. All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and as long as we keep winning matches then we should win the league."
Tottenham are next up at Old Trafford before attentions switch to the Champions League visit of Arsenal, but Fletch says the players' thoughts haven't turned to the Gunners' mouth-watering visit just yet.
"We’ve got three massive home games," he said. "We got Portsmouth out of the way, now we look to Tottenham. We can only look to our next game and try and get three points in that. That’s always the case just now: concentrate on your next match and don’t get too far ahead of yourself."
Ryan Giggs
Giggs was outstanding in his 799th run-out for United in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday. He will make it 800 if he plays against either Tottenham on Saturday or Arsenal on Wednesday.
“Ryan is the most respected player at the club," said Reds boss Sir Alex. "What he has achieved is an example for everyone.
“When you think of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda, who played in the semi-final last week, Ryan made his debut about the time they were born! It’s unbelievable. Whatever accolades he gets, he deserves them."
Giggs has won just about all the game has to offer, but so far the PFA Player of the Year award has proved elusive. Sir Alex thinks it would be a fitting tribute if the 35-year-old was handed the trophy at the annual ceremony in London this Sunday.
“I hope [he gets it]," added the boss. "He’s played 40 games this season. The way you use squads today, not everyone plays all the games, very few do. So hopefully he is rewarded for his contribution to the game, and he would thoroughly deserve it.
“We’re a very special club that way, in that players put down there career at a club like us. Being local boys does help. Players like Giggs and Paul Scholes are not in on sentiment, they’re there on ability.”
Michael Carrick agrees, saying that Scholes, who made his 600th appearance on Wednesday, and Giggs are have achieved extraordinary levels of success which he aspires to.
"They're just unbelievable professionals with fantastic talent and ability," Carrick told MUTV. "They are great people to learn from and the perfect example of what it takes to be a winner at this club.
"They're an inspiration to us all. To keep producing over such a long period at the highest level is frightening. Not many people can do that and it speaks volumes for the kind of players and people they are."
“Ryan is the most respected player at the club," said Reds boss Sir Alex. "What he has achieved is an example for everyone.
“When you think of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda, who played in the semi-final last week, Ryan made his debut about the time they were born! It’s unbelievable. Whatever accolades he gets, he deserves them."
Giggs has won just about all the game has to offer, but so far the PFA Player of the Year award has proved elusive. Sir Alex thinks it would be a fitting tribute if the 35-year-old was handed the trophy at the annual ceremony in London this Sunday.
“I hope [he gets it]," added the boss. "He’s played 40 games this season. The way you use squads today, not everyone plays all the games, very few do. So hopefully he is rewarded for his contribution to the game, and he would thoroughly deserve it.
“We’re a very special club that way, in that players put down there career at a club like us. Being local boys does help. Players like Giggs and Paul Scholes are not in on sentiment, they’re there on ability.”
Michael Carrick agrees, saying that Scholes, who made his 600th appearance on Wednesday, and Giggs are have achieved extraordinary levels of success which he aspires to.
"They're just unbelievable professionals with fantastic talent and ability," Carrick told MUTV. "They are great people to learn from and the perfect example of what it takes to be a winner at this club.
"They're an inspiration to us all. To keep producing over such a long period at the highest level is frightening. Not many people can do that and it speaks volumes for the kind of players and people they are."
Rio's back
Ferdinand was rested in Wednesday's win over Portsmouth after playing for 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final. The 30-year-old has struggled with a groin problem, but he is to be recalled into the starting line-up.
"After extra time at Wembley, we felt it was best to rest Rio," said the boss. "Jonny Evans never lets us down, so we did the sensible thing in resting Rio. We have Tottenham, a European tie against Arsenal on Wednesday, a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Middlesbrough, then Arsenal again the following Tuesday.
"It’s a run of games in which we don’t take chances. Hopefully we manage the whole thing without killing ourselves in terms of players playing too much.”
Reds skipper Gary Neville will miss the next two weeks after hobbling out of the Pompey victory with a foot injury. However, there's better news for John O'Shea, who came on for Neville but was later forced off.
"O’Shea’s injury isn't as bad as we thought," Sir Alex added. "We sent him for a scan, which came back all clear. He trained on Friday, which is good. We were surprised because when it happened (a tackle from Belhadj) I thought it was a bad one. Fortunately, it’s not serious."
Wes Brown may be included in the squad after coming through his second Reserves game on Thursday. “Wes played and did OK. It’s a bit early for him to start a match, but it’s good that he’s back. We've had a great deal of trouble at right back this season. Now we have Wes and young Rafael available. Rafa did well against Portsmouth and he'll start against Tottenham."
"After extra time at Wembley, we felt it was best to rest Rio," said the boss. "Jonny Evans never lets us down, so we did the sensible thing in resting Rio. We have Tottenham, a European tie against Arsenal on Wednesday, a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Middlesbrough, then Arsenal again the following Tuesday.
"It’s a run of games in which we don’t take chances. Hopefully we manage the whole thing without killing ourselves in terms of players playing too much.”
Reds skipper Gary Neville will miss the next two weeks after hobbling out of the Pompey victory with a foot injury. However, there's better news for John O'Shea, who came on for Neville but was later forced off.
"O’Shea’s injury isn't as bad as we thought," Sir Alex added. "We sent him for a scan, which came back all clear. He trained on Friday, which is good. We were surprised because when it happened (a tackle from Belhadj) I thought it was a bad one. Fortunately, it’s not serious."
Wes Brown may be included in the squad after coming through his second Reserves game on Thursday. “Wes played and did OK. It’s a bit early for him to start a match, but it’s good that he’s back. We've had a great deal of trouble at right back this season. Now we have Wes and young Rafael available. Rafa did well against Portsmouth and he'll start against Tottenham."
United v Spurs
Live coverage begins at 17:15 BST, 15 minutes before kick-off.
Our in-depth post-match coverage includes Gemma Thompson's match report, reaction from Sir Alex and the lads and our player ratings feature.
Our in-depth post-match coverage includes Gemma Thompson's match report, reaction from Sir Alex and the lads and our player ratings feature.
My Reds to beat Spurs
They can be expected to offer us a tough game on Saturday with Robbie Keane and Darren Bent upfront, Luka Modric and Jermaine Jenas providing adequate strength in midfield, and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate forming an impressive pair at the back. Gomes was erratic between the posts earlier in the season but he has been turning in top performances lately.
Aaron Lennon has also has improved considerably on the right wing - we have to contain him, nullify his pace and deny him space to make his runs. We also have to deal with the direct and physical approach of Bent and Keane and penetrate the solid Woodgate-King combination.
With all this in mind, and with more than one eye on the Arsenal match looming large on the horizon, I would pick the following 4-4-2 to take on Tottenham:
Foster
Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra
Park, Gibson, Carrick, Fabio
Berbatov, Tevez
Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Fletcher, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Macheda.
I'd preserve Rooney for Arsenal by bringing in Berbatov and Tevez who did not play against Portsmouth; the same could be done for Ronaldo with Park.
Fletcher and Anderson played their guts out in midweek, so Carrick could take one the central midfield roles. Darren Gibson was fantastic against
Aaron Lennon has also has improved considerably on the right wing - we have to contain him, nullify his pace and deny him space to make his runs. We also have to deal with the direct and physical approach of Bent and Keane and penetrate the solid Woodgate-King combination.
With all this in mind, and with more than one eye on the Arsenal match looming large on the horizon, I would pick the following 4-4-2 to take on Tottenham:
Foster
Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra
Park, Gibson, Carrick, Fabio
Berbatov, Tevez
Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Fletcher, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Macheda.
I'd preserve Rooney for Arsenal by bringing in Berbatov and Tevez who did not play against Portsmouth; the same could be done for Ronaldo with Park.
Fletcher and Anderson played their guts out in midweek, so Carrick could take one the central midfield roles. Darren Gibson was fantastic against
Former player Lou Macari
Draw HT, Utd FT (10/3)
It won't be easy tonight; Spurs could offer stiff resistance.
It won't be easy tonight; Spurs could offer stiff resistance.
United Review's Nick Coppack
Draw HT, Utd FT (10/3)
Spurs have been level at the break 19 times in the league this season.
Spurs have been level at the break 19 times in the league this season.
Betfred's Fred Done
Macheda last goal (11/2)
If it's tight towards the end, Sir Alex may send on Kiko to produce some magic.
If it's tight towards the end, Sir Alex may send on Kiko to produce some magic.
United 1 N'castle 1
Brown looked comfortable as he lined up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side for the second time this week, and left the fray unscathed at half-time as the two sides contested a hard-fought draw.
Skipper Corry Evans neatly put his side in the lead after nine minutes but, like his colleagues, could only watch on helplessly as Frank Wiafe Danquah thundered home a stunning equaliser for the Magpies 10 minutes later.
Fabio saw his penalty saved with just over 10 minutes remaining as United missed the chance to secure second spot in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north), but there was enough quality on show to why these two sides are both likely to finish the season in the top three positions.
It was United who were faster out of the blocks. Evans, playing in his more accustomed midfield role, had already seen one drilled effort saved by Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul before he put United ahead inside 10 minutes.
Lee Martin picked up a header from Matty James, brought the ball under control and advanced on goal, before slipping through a pass which required a neat, simple left-footed finish in-between Krul's legs.
The Reds continued to call the tune, but the visitors' forward line - and the imposing Nile Ranger in particular - were proving a handful, although it took a bolt from
Skipper Corry Evans neatly put his side in the lead after nine minutes but, like his colleagues, could only watch on helplessly as Frank Wiafe Danquah thundered home a stunning equaliser for the Magpies 10 minutes later.
Fabio saw his penalty saved with just over 10 minutes remaining as United missed the chance to secure second spot in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north), but there was enough quality on show to why these two sides are both likely to finish the season in the top three positions.
It was United who were faster out of the blocks. Evans, playing in his more accustomed midfield role, had already seen one drilled effort saved by Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul before he put United ahead inside 10 minutes.
Lee Martin picked up a header from Matty James, brought the ball under control and advanced on goal, before slipping through a pass which required a neat, simple left-footed finish in-between Krul's legs.
The Reds continued to call the tune, but the visitors' forward line - and the imposing Nile Ranger in particular - were proving a handful, although it took a bolt from
Here's a quick trivia question:
No, it isn’t a jinking, evergreen Welsh wing wizard. Though the great Billy Meredith was a key member of the team that beat Bristol City in 1909, Ryan Giggs was still eight months from his debut when the Reds saw off Crystal Palace in 1990. It isn’t a Palace connection either, despite the fact that the 1909 final was won at the venue bearing the same name.
Give up? The answer is that both cup successes came during seasons when the Reds finished in a lowly 13th spot in the league. Unlucky for our cup opponents as it turned out.
Ernest Mangnall’s team entered the first cup-winning season of 1908/09 as league champions, having cantered down the home straight in '08 in a manner befitting Usain Bolt. The club's first title was won with a record 52 points (two points for a win), nine more than runners-up Aston Villa. Goals were also in bounteous supply as United were the division's leading scorers with 81, Sandy Turnbull (25) and George Wall (19) leading the way.
But if Mangnall’s best-laid plans had not hit the skids, they’d certainly suffered a wobble as 1908/09 unfolded. Five straight league wins to start the season had suggested another procession could be in the offing, but that was followed by a bout of wholly unpredictable form including nightmare defeats at Sunderland (6-1) and Middlesbrough (5-0). No wonder the FA Cup became a welcome distraction from the faltering champions' league travails.
Give up? The answer is that both cup successes came during seasons when the Reds finished in a lowly 13th spot in the league. Unlucky for our cup opponents as it turned out.
Ernest Mangnall’s team entered the first cup-winning season of 1908/09 as league champions, having cantered down the home straight in '08 in a manner befitting Usain Bolt. The club's first title was won with a record 52 points (two points for a win), nine more than runners-up Aston Villa. Goals were also in bounteous supply as United were the division's leading scorers with 81, Sandy Turnbull (25) and George Wall (19) leading the way.
But if Mangnall’s best-laid plans had not hit the skids, they’d certainly suffered a wobble as 1908/09 unfolded. Five straight league wins to start the season had suggested another procession could be in the offing, but that was followed by a bout of wholly unpredictable form including nightmare defeats at Sunderland (6-1) and Middlesbrough (5-0). No wonder the FA Cup became a welcome distraction from the faltering champions' league travails.
National leagues : Premier League
Team Pld Pts
1 Manchester United FC 32 74
2 Liverpool FC 33 71
3 Chelsea FC 33 68
4 Arsenal FC 33 62
5 Aston Villa FC 33 54
6 Everton FC 33 53
7 West Ham United FC 33 45
8 Fulham FC 33 44
9 Tottenham Hotspur FC 33 44
10 Manchester City FC 33 41
11 Wigan Athletic FC 32 41
12 Stoke City FC 33 39
13 Bolton Wanderers FC 33 37
14 Portsmouth FC 33 37
15 Sunderland AFC 33 35
16 Hull City AFC 33 34
17 Blackburn Rovers FC 33 34
18 Middlesbrough FC 33 31
19 Newcastle United FC 33 30
20 West Bromwich Albion FC 33 25
1 Manchester United FC 32 74
2 Liverpool FC 33 71
3 Chelsea FC 33 68
4 Arsenal FC 33 62
5 Aston Villa FC 33 54
6 Everton FC 33 53
7 West Ham United FC 33 45
8 Fulham FC 33 44
9 Tottenham Hotspur FC 33 44
10 Manchester City FC 33 41
11 Wigan Athletic FC 32 41
12 Stoke City FC 33 39
13 Bolton Wanderers FC 33 37
14 Portsmouth FC 33 37
15 Sunderland AFC 33 35
16 Hull City AFC 33 34
17 Blackburn Rovers FC 33 34
18 Middlesbrough FC 33 31
19 Newcastle United FC 33 30
20 West Bromwich Albion FC 33 25
Michael Carrick
The substitute latched onto a fine ball from Paul Scholes - making his 600th appearance - to drive home United's second in the 82nd minute, which had somehow been evasive since Wayne Rooney's opener on nine minutes.
"The longer it went on at 1-0 the more they started to come into it," Carrick told MUTV. "They had a couple of oppportunities after the break and Edwin had to make some good saves.
"We played some great stuff at times in the first half and the link-up play was brilliant at times. We had a number of chances to go further ahead and that would have put the game to bed. So it was a bit frustrating. We still played well and from a personal point of view it's always nice to score. It was a quite an important goal at that point so I was pleased to get it."
Despite being in the title race driving seat following Liverpool's two dropped points against Arsenal on Tuesday, Carrick maintains there's still work to be done before any silverware is handed out.
"Liverpool's draw was a big boost and we're in a decent position now," he said. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going until the end of the season and put the league to bed as quickly as we can. There are big games coming thick and fast and we need to be at our best in all of them."
"The longer it went on at 1-0 the more they started to come into it," Carrick told MUTV. "They had a couple of oppportunities after the break and Edwin had to make some good saves.
"We played some great stuff at times in the first half and the link-up play was brilliant at times. We had a number of chances to go further ahead and that would have put the game to bed. So it was a bit frustrating. We still played well and from a personal point of view it's always nice to score. It was a quite an important goal at that point so I was pleased to get it."
Despite being in the title race driving seat following Liverpool's two dropped points against Arsenal on Tuesday, Carrick maintains there's still work to be done before any silverware is handed out.
"Liverpool's draw was a big boost and we're in a decent position now," he said. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going until the end of the season and put the league to bed as quickly as we can. There are big games coming thick and fast and we need to be at our best in all of them."
Lee Martin
The 22-year-old has spent his entire professional career seen as a winger, but has thrived in a central role between midfield and a lone striker in the Reserves since returning in January.
Goals and assists have flowed forth from the former England youth international, who has also operated as a makeshift striker with great success - scoring the second goal in Monday's Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final win over Preston.
"I came up as a central midfielder, and (former Reserves manager) Ricky Sbragia put me out wide purely because we had so many central midfielders," Martin told ManUtd.com. "I ended up doing a good job while I was filling in and being one of the better players that season. Once you cement that spot, it’s hard to get out of it.
"In the 2004/05 season I was playing left wing in the Barclays Premier League and central midfield for the Pontin’s League team. That was hard, juggling those roles, but I’ve come back and credit has to go to Ole and Warren for noticing that I can do a job in midfield.
"I feel I’m definitely more suited to that area, I’m more involved and getting a few assists too. Sometimes when I’m told to stay in one position it’s difficult because I naturally tend to roam, find little pockets and gaps to receive the ball in. That’s where I’m at my best."
Goals and assists have flowed forth from the former England youth international, who has also operated as a makeshift striker with great success - scoring the second goal in Monday's Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final win over Preston.
"I came up as a central midfielder, and (former Reserves manager) Ricky Sbragia put me out wide purely because we had so many central midfielders," Martin told ManUtd.com. "I ended up doing a good job while I was filling in and being one of the better players that season. Once you cement that spot, it’s hard to get out of it.
"In the 2004/05 season I was playing left wing in the Barclays Premier League and central midfield for the Pontin’s League team. That was hard, juggling those roles, but I’ve come back and credit has to go to Ole and Warren for noticing that I can do a job in midfield.
"I feel I’m definitely more suited to that area, I’m more involved and getting a few assists too. Sometimes when I’m told to stay in one position it’s difficult because I naturally tend to roam, find little pockets and gaps to receive the ball in. That’s where I’m at my best."
Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson accused "casual" Manchester United of almost throwing away the opportunity to reclaim pole position in the title race after seeing the champions laboured to victory against Portsmouth at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick's 82nd-minute goal confirmed victory for United following Wayne Rooney's ninth-minute opener. However, Ferguson suffered a double setback when he revealed Gary Neville and John O'Shea will be out for "weeks" after both limped off. Neville was forced off with a foot injury and his replacement O'Shea hobbled out after half-time after taking a heavy blow to his ankle. Ferguson said: "They are both out for weeks. They were both bad tackles but the referee did didn't do anything about them."
Mark Ogden, The Telegraph
There’s widespread coverage of United’s 2-0 win in all the papers, while speculation is also rife about Carlos Tevez’s future. The Guardian quote the Argentina international as saying: "I need a regular place in the team to offer my best level and if that cannot happen at United I believe it will be my last year [at the club]."
There’s more praise for Paul Scholes today as he made his 600th United appearance against Portsmouth. The Metro say Scholes, who set up Michael Carrick’s goal, was the Reds’ “inspiration” in last night's 2-0 win.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror claim United could sign Brazilian teenager Dodo in the summer. He’s currently at Corinthians and the Mirror describes him as “strong in the air and talented on the ball”.
Mark Ogden, The Telegraph
There’s widespread coverage of United’s 2-0 win in all the papers, while speculation is also rife about Carlos Tevez’s future. The Guardian quote the Argentina international as saying: "I need a regular place in the team to offer my best level and if that cannot happen at United I believe it will be my last year [at the club]."
There’s more praise for Paul Scholes today as he made his 600th United appearance against Portsmouth. The Metro say Scholes, who set up Michael Carrick’s goal, was the Reds’ “inspiration” in last night's 2-0 win.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror claim United could sign Brazilian teenager Dodo in the summer. He’s currently at Corinthians and the Mirror describes him as “strong in the air and talented on the ball”.
MUTV
Bewitched at times, bemused at others by a display in which his side were dominant yet profligate, Sir Alex Ferguson was unsure of how to react to United's win over Portsmouth.
Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick goals were the telling bookends in a match in which the Reds passed up a hatful of chances, and briefly looked like letting the visitors steal an unlikely point. Clearly relieved by the result but wary of some aspects of his side's performance, the United manager cut a concerned figure after the match.
"I don't know what to make of it, to be honest," Sir Alex told MUTV. "In the first half you saw some of the best football you'll see all season. It was absolutely fantastic. But we missed about four or five chances, so instead of going in five-nil up at half time we were one-nil up and made it difficult for ourselves.
"That only encourages your opponents and they kept digging in and got two opportunities in the second half, and I was saying to myself: 'we're going to throw this away.' It can be so embarrassing. You're talking about throwing a game away when you should have been five or six up.
"We missed some fantastic opportunities, and in one way you're saying to
Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick goals were the telling bookends in a match in which the Reds passed up a hatful of chances, and briefly looked like letting the visitors steal an unlikely point. Clearly relieved by the result but wary of some aspects of his side's performance, the United manager cut a concerned figure after the match.
"I don't know what to make of it, to be honest," Sir Alex told MUTV. "In the first half you saw some of the best football you'll see all season. It was absolutely fantastic. But we missed about four or five chances, so instead of going in five-nil up at half time we were one-nil up and made it difficult for ourselves.
"That only encourages your opponents and they kept digging in and got two opportunities in the second half, and I was saying to myself: 'we're going to throw this away.' It can be so embarrassing. You're talking about throwing a game away when you should have been five or six up.
"We missed some fantastic opportunities, and in one way you're saying to
Paul Scholes
Playing 600 games is quite an achievement, are you surprised by his longevity?
It's fantastic, considering Scholesy’s probably had three or four longish term injuries during his career. He had the eye problem, he’s had two knee operations that kept him out for three months at a time, so he’s probably missed over a year of football in that time. He would probably be closer to 700 now had he not had those injuries.
Last summer Scholes said he would play for another two years and then call it a day. Do you see him sticking to that or carrying on?
Paul usually says what he means, there’s no question about that. He means what he says. He’s an amazing man.
He's said he likes playing football but hates being a footballer because of the attention that comes with it...
Absolutely, it's agony
It's fantastic, considering Scholesy’s probably had three or four longish term injuries during his career. He had the eye problem, he’s had two knee operations that kept him out for three months at a time, so he’s probably missed over a year of football in that time. He would probably be closer to 700 now had he not had those injuries.
Last summer Scholes said he would play for another two years and then call it a day. Do you see him sticking to that or carrying on?
Paul usually says what he means, there’s no question about that. He means what he says. He’s an amazing man.
He's said he likes playing football but hates being a footballer because of the attention that comes with it...
Absolutely, it's agony
Gary Neville and John O'Shea
Manchester United FC's defensive injury curse has struck again after the club confirmed right-backs Gary Neville and John O'Shea will be sidelined "for weeks" after hobbling out of Wednesday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Portsmouth FC.
Ferdinand rested
Neville lasted just 13 minutes at Old Trafford before being forced off with a right foot problem, and his replacement, O'Shea, fared little better as he made way for Rafael soon after half-time. "They're going to be out for weeks and that's a disappointment," said Sir Alex Ferguson, who was at least able to allay fears over Rio Ferdinand after the centre-back was left out against Portsmouth. "The fact Rio had played extra time [in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Everton FC] after only just coming back from two or three weeks out meant it was too big a risk," said Sir Alex. "There was nothing wrong with his groin, it was just tiredness."
Problem position
That will be some comfort for United but the right-back position remains problematic, with the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal FC looming on 29 April. Rafael has himself only recently returned from an ankle injury, while last season's first choice right-back Wes Brown has been unavailable for most of the campaign because of a problem with his ankle. He did, however, play an hour for United's reserves against Preston North End FC on Monday. The win against Portsmouth restored United to the Premier League summit, with the Red Devils three points above Liverpool FC with a game in hand.
Ferdinand rested
Neville lasted just 13 minutes at Old Trafford before being forced off with a right foot problem, and his replacement, O'Shea, fared little better as he made way for Rafael soon after half-time. "They're going to be out for weeks and that's a disappointment," said Sir Alex Ferguson, who was at least able to allay fears over Rio Ferdinand after the centre-back was left out against Portsmouth. "The fact Rio had played extra time [in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Everton FC] after only just coming back from two or three weeks out meant it was too big a risk," said Sir Alex. "There was nothing wrong with his groin, it was just tiredness."
Problem position
That will be some comfort for United but the right-back position remains problematic, with the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal FC looming on 29 April. Rafael has himself only recently returned from an ankle injury, while last season's first choice right-back Wes Brown has been unavailable for most of the campaign because of a problem with his ankle. He did, however, play an hour for United's reserves against Preston North End FC on Monday. The win against Portsmouth restored United to the Premier League summit, with the Red Devils three points above Liverpool FC with a game in hand.
Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager
It was a very good result for us in a difficult game. There were two main reasons for our improvement when compared with the first game. We had some important players back in the team and we had four days to rest instead of the two we had one week ago. That's very important, especially in a competition like this one. Ryan Giggs' experience was crucial and Wayne Rooney's energy was just amazing. It's great to see a player like him on the pitch because he's still so young and never stops for a second. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was sensational. He played a lone role but did well. I need to think hard to remember a better goal than this one. To start a game with a goal like that is just amazing and the perfect way to turn the tie around. Porto had to chase us and they didn't have any chances to score. They played very well in the first half at Old Trafford but we were better in the second half, before they were lucky to score a last-minute goal. We came here to win the match. There was little separating the two teams in this tie but I think overall we deserved to qualify. Now we will face Arsenal and it would be great to win the first leg 1-0. They play great football but this is an entirely different clash from the ones in the Premier League. Let's see what happens.
United threat
If Porto were unfortunate to lose Lucho, they could consider themselves lucky not to have reached the interval goals two down as Nemanja Vidić somehow turned the ball over the crossbar when it looked easier to score after John O'Shea had flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner. The heavens opened as the game restarted and there were chances at both ends, Dimitar Berbatov drawing a save from Helton before Meireles shot narrowly over from distance. With the noisy backing of the home crowd, Porto were seeing more of the ball but United's counterattacks carried the greater threat. With Giggs excelling, it took a fine block by Fernando to thwart Rooney and Helton then had to race out of his goal to beat Ronaldo to the Welshman's through ball.
World-class effort
United's Portuguese forward may have had a mixed season but his world-class talent has never been in doubt and he underlined it here with the 35-metre strike that secured a 3-2 aggregate victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side who – in the process – became the first English team to win at Porto. History has never been an impediment to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has rewritten the record books in over two decades at Old Trafford, and his quintuple-chasing team can now look forward to a semi-final against Arsenal FC with renewed heart having rediscovered their defensive solidity here with a first clean sheet in six matches.
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