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Journalism of Courage
The third round of the English FA Cup swung into action on Saturday with an early kick off at Old Trafford but 10-times winners Manchester United avoided any upset by thumping first division leaders Portsmouth 4-1.
United, who controversially did not take part in the FA Cup three years ago, certainly seemed ready to give the world’s oldest soccer competition their full attention this time as manager Alex Ferguson fielded all his big guns.
The decision paid dividends as Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two penalties and England duo David Beckham and Paul Scholes got a goal each to send United into the fourth round. Portsmouth threatened for a while in the second half and, but for a bad miss, could have been level with 20 minutes to go.
United’s opening goal came after five minutes after midfielder Ryan Giggs was tripped in the area and Van Nistelrooy converted the penalty.
Beckham doubled the lead after 17 minutes with a superb curling free kick and almost made it three after half an hour when he thumped another against a post with goalkeeper Shaka Hislop stranded. (Reuters)
