Football

Sir Alex Ferguson says it makes a refreshing change to face one of the Premier League's lesser lights in the Community Shield.

It could be argued Portsmouth cost Manchester United a repeat of their historic Treble last term given Harry Redknapp's men won a tense quarter-final at Old Trafford on their way to ultimate victory over Cardiff.

But as United were still able to bask in domestic success and a Champions League win over Chelsea, Ferguson is happy enough to concede a Wembley win for Portsmouth last May was a pretty novel event.

"It is quite unusual and quite refreshing," said the United boss.

"Over the years Community Shield matches have been between ourselves, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"This is different. It is good for Portsmouth and shows the progress they have made.

"They are not easy to play against, especially at their own ground and when you look at the progression in their team, we know it will not be an easy game."

When Ferguson assesses his own lack of striking options, which he has now pledged to address in the transfer market by the time his team tackles Newcastle in their Premier League opener next Sunday, it is slightly ironic the Scot picks Portsmouth's strikers as their most dangerous weapon.

In pairing £11million man Peter Crouch with Jermain Defoe, Redknapp has assembled an all-English little-and-large duo which may prove difficult to contain.

"Harry brought Peter Crouch into his squad, so you can see the direction of the partnership with Defoe," he said.

"Those two will be a handful for anyone. Hopefully we can cope."

Ferguson intends to select Nani, Michael Carrick and skipper Gary Neville - who would be making his first appearance on English soil since March 2007 - even though all three are well short of match fitness.

Carlos Tevez is almost certain to start on his own up front given Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are both sidelined,