Following a recent 4-1 defeat to Liverpool and a 2-2
draw with Porto, the extent to which Old Trafford represents a true
footballing fortress has come under question from certain
quarters.
However an investigation into the respective performances of
each Premier League side at home in the last three seasons reveals
that the “Theatre of Dreams” still represents the top flight’s
toughest away venue.
Despite having lost more games at home (four) than any of
Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal since August 2006, the limited number
of draws seen at Old Trafford means that United have been the most
difficult opponents to take points off on their own turf since the
start of the 2006/07 campaign. Their win percentage at home of
84.9% in the last few years has been dramatically higher than any
of their other “big four” rivals, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have
scored significantly more goals at home than any other Premier
League side in this period.
Only Liverpool (28) can boast of having conceded fewer goals in
front of their own fans in the last three seasons than United (30)
– ironically the Red Devils would also have the best defensive
record at home were it not for Rafa Benítez’s side’s 4-1 romp there
in March.
The difficulty of getting anything out of a match at Old
Trafford will be something that is well known to Portsmouth fans –
Pompey have lost all five of their trips to the North-West to face
United in the Premier League, and have managed just one goal (Gary
O’Neil’s 47th minute strike in February 2004).
However, on Wednesday, they can take heart from the fact that
now is as good a time as any to score against The Reds at home –
seven of the 30 goals (23%) United have conceded at Old Trafford in
The Premier League since August 2006 have come in their last three
matches there.