Manchester United 1 Zenit St Petersburg 2

I only watched half of the match, but from what I did see Manchester United were outplayed. Maybe it`s due to the fact we are only early on in our season, or some overconfidence creeped in, or even the poor ptch, but the Reds were less than inspired.

Not even the late dismissal of Paul Scholes for deliberate handball, having been booked earlier for a standard rash tackle, could detract from Zenit’s triumph. Scholes became the first player to be dismissed in 35 years of the Uefa Super Cup when he illegally steered the ball into the net, but the real history was made by a first Russian success in this match, for it will surely not be the last.

United Beat Portsmouth by Just the One Goal

Darren Fletcher was the unlikely goal hero for the second match in a row as Manchester United got their Premier League title defence up and running with a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth on Monday.

But the sooner Dimitar Berbatov becomes an Old Trafford player the better for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Fletcher handed United their first win of the season with a fortuitous 32nd-minute strike, which may yet be credited as a Sylvain Distin own goal, as the champions produced another toothless attacking display.

We`re missing the trickery of Ronaldo, that`s for sure.

Silvestre Moves to Arsenal

The Gunners completed one of the summer's surprise signings yesterday when they took Silvestre off Manchester United's hands for just £700,000.

The former French international had been poised to join Manchester City, and was reportedly in the midst of a medical at Eastlands when he discovered that he was on Arsene Wenger's radar.

Some are flummoxed by the move, as Silvestre has been out of favour at Old Trafford for several seasons. Once touted as one of Europe's best defenders, in the last few years the ex-Internazionale man lost his place in central defence to Nemanja Vidic and was ousted from the left-back slot by both Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra.

Magpies Hold United to 1-1 Draw

Oh, dear! Not a great start for the Red Devils.

The Geordies picked up their first point at this normally nightmare venue for the first time since January 2004.

United's need for another striker is there for all to see and the absence of Carlos Tevez, due to a family bereavement, highlighted the problem even more.

It seems crazy to me that right at the very start of the season we aren`t at full strength, albeit through a player having to leave under such sad circumstances.

Levy Wants £32 million for Berbatov

Outraged Tottenham owner Daniel Levy is reportedly determined to force Manchester United into paying £32 million for Dimitar Berbatov, amid claims the champions are on the verge of signing the striker.

The news of Levy's fury follows the Premier League's decision that the London club do not have enough watertight evidence to charge Manchester United in light of Tottenham's formal complaint that an illegal approach had been made for the Bulgaria international.

It is understood Tottenham have been told by the three-man delegation leading the inquiry that unless they can provide irrefutable proof that United are guilty of any misdemeanour within the next few weeks, their case will be thrown out by the panel.

Fergie Sure Ronaldo Will Stay Around For A While

United`s new away kit.


Having ensured that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain a United player this season, Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Portuguese winger will find it harder and harder to leave the club the longer he remains a Red.

The United boss was in an open and frank mood when quizzed about Ronny’s recent pledge of allegiance to the club, following a summer of intense speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico earlier this week has, according to Sir Alex, drawn a line under the affair.

“We’re happy,” the Reds boss said at a press conference on Friday. “His interview was very good. From my perspective, he explained himself perfectly. As I said on Wednesday, the matter is now closed. He’s a Manchester United player and he’s happy to be here. He’s always been happy here. It’s just the unfortunate participation of Real Madrid in his life that has made it difficult for him.”