O'Shea: No letting up

John O’Shea insists Manchester United must build on their victory against Arsenal when they travel to Portsmouth tomorrow.

The Republic of Ireland international believes the squad have enough about them to get right back in the title race.

First of all though he is calling on the team to treat Pompey with the same respect as they did Arsene Wenger’s side.

“We have to go on a run after beating Arsenal, ” he told MUTV.

“It would be a terrible thing if we went down to Portsmouth and didn’t pick up maximum points. No disrespect to them but after you have beaten Arsenal, considering the fantastic record they had, we have to get a victory. We just have to make sure we focus as hard as we did then. If we do I am sure everything will be fine.

“Portsmouth have some quick talented lads and it is going to be a tough game. It is arguably our most important match of the season.

“But everyone here is saying that after beating Arsenal we mustn’t let that victory go down the pan. We just have to win there and keep the pressure up.”

O’Shea said there is a new mood of optimism around Old Trafford after Arsenal’s unbeaten run came to an end after 49 league matches.

“That result has bred confidence. The manager (Alex Ferguson) said a few days before the game he had a feeling we would win. It was a case of we knew what we had to do and the players did a fantastic job. I don’t think Arsenal can have any complaints.”

Skipper Roy Keane could return to the side after a flu virus but Ruud van Nistelrooy is ruled out through suspension.