There was none of the same drama though as United sauntered through three successful spot-kicks with only Jermain Defoe successful in reply.
It represented the first of what could turn out to be seven trophies for the Red Devils this season.
But more important for Sir Alex Ferguson, who has now completed a lucky seven victories in the curtain-raiser, it emphasised the class United proved last season still remains as they prepare for the defence of their Premier League and Champions League crowns.
Portsmouth have been held up by some, including United captain Gary Neville, as potential top-four material this term.
Yet for all the added bulk and height Peter Crouch brings to a forward line Defoe was only introduced to in January, it has come at the expense of key midfielder Sulley Muntari, who has left for Inter Milan.
Undoubtedly, pivotal figures such as David James, Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin are a year older, which hardly points to greater success given the added weight of UEFA Cup fixtures after last season's FA Cup triumph.
Not that the veterans in Harry Redknapp's squad were tested too much in an unspectacular opening half-hour.
It was 26 minutes before either side forced a save, James beating away Ryan Giggs' near-post piledriver.
Carlos Tevez had seen his shot blocked, while Lassana Diarra volleyed wildly over at the other end but it was United who looked most likely to create a clear opening, which duly arrived at Darren Fletcher's feet just past the half hour.
With Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Glen Johnson would have been mildly embarrassed to be robbed so easily by Nani.
The winger's cross caught the Portsmouth defence flat-footed. But instead of sliding the opener into an unguarded goal, Fletcher somehow managed to get the ball stuck under his body. The scoring chance gone, Fletcher attempted to scoop a pass to Tevez, only to meet with failure there as well.
It was the start of a purple patch for United. Nani was heavily involved, coming close himself on a couple of occasions and setting up Paul Scholes with an accurate corner to the edge of the area which his team-mate screwed wide.
As Ronaldo - who watched from the stands alongside Wayne Rooney - is sidelined until the end of September following his ankle operation, Nani is going to be a major figure for United in the coming weeks.
It does not help that the Portugal international is suspended for two games following his dismissal against West Ham in May but his speed, skill and movement make him an opponent to be feared. He even remonstrates in the same way as good friend Ronaldo, although it was Distin and Nemanja Vidic who showed scant regard for the FA's laudable `Respect' the referee campaign, both booked for dissent as they questioned officials' decisions.
After spurning the earlier golden opportunity, Fletcher came agonisingly close to giving United the lead they deserved with a superb chip that was heading in until James touched it onto the bar.
The rebound came at Tevez pretty quickly, leaving him no time to do anything other than nod it straight to the Portsmouth keeper.
Neville signalled his well-being on his first domestic appearance since March 2007, thundering into John Utaka to earn a booking after enjoying a relatively quiet hour.
Whether it will be enough to get him into Ferguson's side to face Newcastle next week is debatable though, with Wes Brown still perceived to be the man in possession of that coveted right-back berth.
The chances started to mount for United as James denied both Giggs and Nani before producing a full-length fingertip save to touch round a Tevez effort that was heading for the corner.
Both sides had good penalty appeals turned down, Hermann Hreidarsson pulling Tevez down with a firm grip of the ankle, before prospective England skipper Rio Ferdinand smashed a shot into the side-netting.
It was the prelude to a niggly last few minutes as Fraizer Campbell was buffeted around and Paul Scholes caught Papa Bouba Diop.
Amid the fraying tempers, Tevez's shot flew over after flicking off Distin.
But in the end, it went down to penalties. And one suspects, after their nailbiting win over Chelsea, this time there was no pressure for United at all.
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