Ferguson furious after Pompey defeat

Portsmouth's David Unsworth celebrates after scoring from the Penalty spot against Manchester United.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told his players that their victory over Arsenal counted for nothing after seeing them lose 2-0 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

United's first league defeat since the opening day of the campaign - but their second in as many seasons at the intimidating south coast venue - came just six days after they ended champions and leaders Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

But Ferguson said beating their title rivals would be worthless if they could not see off the lesser sides in the Premiership.

"It was a terrible disappointment," admitted the United boss. "The Arsenal result has been totally destroyed.

"I cannot account for the number of missed chances especially when some of them were not even on target.

"We could have been will in front after half-an-hour and even at 1-0 down we had enough chances to go on and win the game.

"You come to a ground like this, the atmosphere is fantastic and you are going to have a difficult afternoon.

Alan Smith (R) of Manchester United beats Portsmouth's David Unsworth (C) to the ball during their Premiership match.

"That was a bad, bad result," added Ferguson whose fifth-placed side are now nine points behind Arsenal.

United winger Cristiano Ronaldo had already wasted four good opportunities by the time David Unsworth put Portsmouth ahead with a 53rd minute penalty.

Rio Ferdinand got caught in possession by Portsmouth substitute Ricardo Fuller and United's Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze clumsily scythed down the Jamaican in trying to atone for his teammates error.

Unsworth ignored the visitors' appeals to smash the resulting kick past Roy Carroll and straight down the centre of the net for his second goal of the season.

Nigerian international Aiyegbeni Yakubu made the game safe with his sixth goal of the season 18 minutes from time.

Pompey goalkeeper Shaka Hislop saved at the feet of Ryan Giggs before launching the ball to Yakubu who slotted a right foot shot into the bottom of the corner from 12 yards.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp could not hide his delight after seeing his side side extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

"These are incredible times at Fratton Park. To go from where we were to where we are has been an amazing turnaround," said Redknapp who took over in March 2002 with Pompey facing relegation from the old First Division (now Championship).

Wayne Rooney (L) of Manchester United is booked against Portsmouth.

"In football you have got to make sure you keep your shape. It is no good all charging forward and getting done and throw a two-goal lead away.

"There are times to play football and times to keep it tight especially against a team like Manchester United who can hurt you at any stage.

"They are a better team than last year. Rio Ferdinand is back and playing better than ever.

"We have beaten a world-class team here today (Saturday). Three years ago we were probably playing Grimsby or someone, no disprect to the them, and now we have beaten United it is unreal."

Speaking about the penalty incident, Redknapp added: "I thought it was a penalty from where I was.

"David Unsworth is a great penalty taker and I had no doubt he would score."