Defending champions Manchester United notched up their third victory over Portsmouth in a month by registering a 1-0 win at Fratton Park on Monday.

Darren Fletcher broke the deadlock 13 minutes away from the half time whistle as United struggled to create many chances against a stubborn Portsmouth defense that was keen to avoid another thrashing following their 4-0 defeat to Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

Portsmouth very nearly grabbed a shock lead just 12 seconds into the match when Papa Bouba Diop saw his shot fly inches wide of the post. However the visitors soon settled down with Pompey content to soak up the pressure and look for counterattacking opportunities.

United should have had taken the lead when Rooney found himself in some space inside the penalty area but the England striker shot straight into the waiting arms of David James who minutes later pulled off an excellent save to deny Paul Scholes from a free kick.

United took the lead in the 32nd minute when Evra crossed the ball for Fletcher who saw his shot deflect off Sol Campbell and into the goal even as Sylvain Distin made a last ditch effort to clear the ball off the line.

Edwin van der Sar was having a quiet time in the United goal with Portsmouth testing the keeper for the first time on the hour mark when Jerome Thomas hit a stinging drive towards the target but the attempt was easily blocked by van der Sar.

Bouba Diop had a decent chance to pull Portsmouth level but van der Sar was alert to the danger and easily saved his effort as United hung on to their slender lead to register their first win of the new season.