Pompey expose United’s frailties
And although Pompey deserve enormous credit for the memorable triumph that will now almost certainly lead to their Barclaycard Premiership survival, manager Harry Redknapp admits he can hardly bear the thought of another top-flight struggle.
Alex Ferguson, having all but conceded the title to Arsenal, had pledged his United troops to win all their remaining six games and trump Chelsea for the second automatic Champions League place thus avoiding the drudgery of pre-qualifying in Europe.
But he admits now that Chelsea have the edge again ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on May 8.
And United's Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea said "The manager didn't have to say too much in the dressing room afterwards because everybody's head was hanging.
"We are just not making chances. It's a big disappointment for the fans."
Ruud van Nistelrooy should return from a knee injury to feature tomorrow night and skipper Roy Keane may also be fit after a hamstring strain.
The worry for Ferguson is that Pompey showed just how it is possible for a team of inferior quality to master United with sheer hard work and organisation, plus a slice of luck with Steve Stone's 36th minute winner.
"It's disappointing. I couldn't fault our work-ethic but we let Portsmouth score from their only attack of note really," said the United boss.
"We need more composure on the ball. We got frustrated too easily and just started crossing the ball."
Pompey, now five points clear of the drop-zone, might need just one more win for safety especially if it comes against languishing Leeds at Elland Road next weekend.
"It is obviously one of the best results I've ever had," said Redknapp.
"It is a massive result because going to Leeds next week only two points ahead would have been too slender a lead. Now we can try to even higher.
"Honestly, though, they are all heroes.
"But although people think I thrive on these battles I don't know how long I can stand another struggle next season. Unless the resources and the players are there that's what we face."
Neither match-winner Stone nor striker Teddy Sheringham only a 78th minute substitute against his old club have secured Fratton Park deals for next season.
Latest reports suggest Sheringham, 38, will go the Middle East and play in Qatar for one last big pay-day alongside the likes of Gabriel Batistuta and Frank Leboeuf.
But Stone certainly wants to stay and Redknapp needs new backing from chairman Milan Mandaric, who is said to already be underwriting players' contracts to the annual tune of £13 million.
"I'm trying to earn a new contract and that's why the goal was so important," said Stone.
"Not for me, but for the club because nothing good happens unless we stay up."
