Background: The Reds’ previous home league outing had resulted in a shock defeat to Fulham, but Diego Forlan’s first-half opener against Pompey marked the resumption of normal service at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, the hard-working visitors frustrated United’s pursuit of a killer second goal until the 80th minute, when Ryan Giggs won a free-kick on the left flank.
The goal: Cristiano Ronaldo took charge of the set-piece and, given his proximity to the touchline, looked poised to swing a delivery towards a raft of red shirted targets inside the penalty area. Instead, the 18-year-old caught everyone off-guard as he drilled the ball low and hard towards the far post, prompting a bouncing effort which goalkeeper Shaka Hislop could only help on its way into the top corner.