MARTIN THE MAN FOR UNITED

The midfielder, on loan at Sheffield United last season, found the target at the Absa Stadium in the 23rd minute.

Martin reacted quickly after Fraizer Campbell flicked the ball on, the 21-year-old applying a cool finish.

It was no more than United deserved against an enthusiastic but limited Pirates side, coached by former Dutch star Rudi Krol.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson named a young team with Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic all on the bench.

And the Scot would no doubt have been pleased at the way his side applied themselves against a fired-up Pirates team.