Man United 0 Portsmouth 1: Manchester United hopes of a treble were scuppered today thanks to a Sulley Muntari penalty 13 minutes from the end of their quarter-final tie with Portsmouth at Old Trafford.
United did everything but put the ball in the net up until goalkeeper Tomasz Kusczak was dismissed for taking down Milan Baros in the box.
Having used all their substitutes United were forced to put Rio Ferdinand in goal and the defender was powerless to deny Muntari's bullet shot from the spot, despite diving the right way.
The last time Pompey won at United was in 1957, and they have endured seven successive defeats - the latest one in January.
United dominated possession and almost went ahead in the fifth minute when Paul Scholes got on the end of a free-kick from Nani only to head wide at the near post.
Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had won a penalty a minute later when he was bundled over by Sylvain Distin, but referee Martin Atkinson allowed play to continue.
Portsmouth were keeping a close eye on Ronaldo, and Papa Bouba Diop was booked for dragging his opponent back in the 10th minute and Lassana Diarra was later booked for his challenge on the winger.
The visitors broke out of their slumber six minutes later, and Niko Kranjcar tested goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar from distance.
United almost took the lead in the 19th minute when Carlos Tevez got clear, after Wayne Rooney latched on to a pass from Wes Brown. But the Argentinian striker saw his effort superbly cleared off the line by Glen Johnson.
United kept up the pressure, and Scholes turned quickly in the 28th minute but saw his effort blocked by Portsmouth captain Sol Campbell.
Tevez worked an opening for himself four minutes later and fired in a shot that David James did well to parry.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a surprise switch at half-time, with Kuszczak replacing Edwin van der Sar between the posts.
There was a scare for Portsmouth in the 49th minute when David James flapped at a cross from Tevez but he recovered in time to prevent Nani getting in a shot.
Nani was coming more into the game and sent a powerful effort into the goalkeeper's body two minutes later, after being released by Rooney.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp replaced Kanu with Baros after 55 minutes but it was United who threatened again when Nemanja Vidic powered in a header from Nani's corner.
Substitute Michael Carrick should have put United ahead in the 69th minute when he got away from James — but just as he was about to score, Distin made a vital block.
United came within inches again in the 73rd minute when Evra's shot came back off the post.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 77th minute when Portsmouth were awarded a penalty after Kuszczak tripped Baros, who had been released by Kranjcar.
The Polish goalkeeper was sent off, and Ferdinand took the gloves, but was given no chance with Muntari's cool spot-kick, which saw Portsmouth secure a semi-final berth.
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