MANCHESTER United was held to another draw as its title rival Chelsea came back from a goal down to beat Reading in the second round of English Premier League matches Wednesday.

To pile on the misery for champion United, its star winger Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct as the side drew 1-1 at Portsmouth.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has got the better of Manchester United in his past three seasons in charge at Fratton Park.

But a draw was good enough this time around in a match that saw two red cards.

United threw Argentina striker Carlos Tevez into action for his debut in place of the injured Wayne Rooney, and he set up Paul Scoles for the opener, the former England midfielder scoring in the 15th minute.

But Zimbabwe striker Benjani Mwaruwari stormed through the defense to head in a 53rd-minute equalizer.

Pompey’s Sulley Muntari was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 83rd minute, before United’s Portugal winger Ronaldo was given a straight red card and will now miss three games.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, 1-0 down at half-time, came storming out of the blocks to score two in quick succession at Reading.

(SD-Agencies)

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (L) reacts to a red card from referee Steve Bennett at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, on Wednesday.

Xinhua/Reuters