Listen - Portsmouth v Man Utd - Fergie explains Silvestre departure

After last week's disappointing result against Newcastle United, Sir Alex Ferguson has called on his players to bounce back at Fratton Park on Monday night.

In a mirror of last season, United drew at home on the opening day before coming out all square at Portsmouth, a cycle Fergie has no desire of repeating this time around.

With Carlos Tevez and Anderson back in the squad, there has been one departure in the form of Mikael Silvestre - the defender moved to Arsenal in mid-week despite undergoing a medical at United's city rivals. The Scot revealed he felt, after 9 years service, that letting the Frenchman go was only fair.

And what of the transfer market activity? Listen and find out.

Archives - Manchester United

The start of the 2008-09 Barclays Premier League season heralds the beginning of an epic year of major events live on Sky Sports!