Luckless Portsmouth need a miracle to survive on and off the field after another crushing defeat in their crisis-hit season. Avram Grant’s team conceded an incredible three own goals yesterday as Wayne Rooney inspired champions United to a victory which took them back to the top of the Premier League.
Rooney equalled his best goals tally for a season with his 23rd in giving United a 40thminute lead, and Anthony Vanden Borre deflected a Nani shot past his own goalkeeper, David James, before the break to double the home side’s lead.
Another unfortunate ricochet off Richard Hughes and Marc Wilson’s hapless slice, either side of a Dimitar Berbatov strike, completed a miserable day in the North West for rock-bottom Portsmouth, who are now seven points from safety.
   
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