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The annihilation of Manchester United and Chelsea in the FA Cup last week leaves the Big Four unrepresented in the semi-finals, a phenomenon not seen since 1987. All four are still in the Champions League but the domestic competition which prides itself on producing spectacular drama and upsets are raising doubts on their superiority.

The 1-0 scoreline tells only part of both stories. The minnows were not on the ropes but instead stunned their classy counterparts with purposeful, resilient football and an immense desire to win. In the case of Manchester United, the referee is to blame, according to Alex Ferguson. He said: “The game was decided by the decision not to give us a penalty. Pompey had great confidence to hang on knowing the referee was on their side.”

United deserved to get at least a draw for their enterprising play. They were off the blocks in a flash and they laid siege on the visitors for long periods. For all the chances they created, unfortunately, the players provided a variety of lessons on how not to score.

In the first half, Portsmouth held firm as Carlos Tevez and Rooney tested the reflexes of the keeper. Manchester United rue an unheeded penalty appeal as Sylvain Distin barged into Cristiano Ronaldo. After the interval, Portsmouth continued their frantic defense, with Sol Campbell outstanding at the heart of their resistance. However, a 78th minute penalty by Ghanaian Sulley Muntari, after United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak had been sent off for fouling Milan Baros, settled the match.

Certainly, it was a jubilant night for Portsmouth as they have not won at Old Trafford for 51 years and their last semi-final in the FA Cup dated back to the loss against Liverpool in 1992. Portsmounth manager Harry Redknappp said: “It was the worst draw we could have got but it was a great performance and a great result. We deserved our luck.”

Redknapp enjoyed a personal triumph as he never got past the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, even as he amassed a remarkable record against Manchester United, knocking them out thrice in this competition, with three different clubs - Bournemouth in 1984, West Ham seven years later, and now at Portsmouth.

However, the hard-fought victory was marred by questions on fairness and competence of the referee. Alex Ferguson’s anger extended beyond the abysmal decisions of the referee, Martin Atkinson; referees’ chief Keith Hackett was also accused of not doing his job.

He said: “Diarra had eight fouls in the match, it is incredible. Someone is going to get a serious injury in our game. I agree with Sepp Blatter, the standards in our game as opposed to the Continent - the tolerance level - is behind Europe.”

But was the penalty appeal as decisive a factor as what Ferguson claimed? The replays show that Diarra’s shoulder charge was a tactical foul, intended to destroy and not to win the ball. In a 1-to-1 situation, he did the best thing he could by sending Ronaldo sprawling to the floor, knowing well that he is no match for the trickery and pace of the Portuguese. Letting him through to face the keeper, having already scored 30 goals, is tantamount to disaster.

I am sure it is a yellow card offense, even if it happened in the first minute and the referee was not in the mood to reach into his shirt pocket. Of course, Ronaldo’s reputation for playacting doesn’t help and it was regrettable that payback has come at this inopportune time.

Ronaldo expressed concern about the lack of protection from referees. He said: “Refs don’t protect skilful players. I think about Eduardo and I am scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls.”

“It is very disappointing and I am thinking a lot about changing my game. When referees don’t give penalties, yellow or red cards, it is difficult to play.”

I don’t think Ronaldo will be changing his game much, the fear factor is being overplayed. Scoring 30 goals for a midfielder is sure to attract attention of defenders who has to stop him at all cost. Ronaldo should already be accustomed to the English game after a few years in the Premier League and the tackles he has experienced are heavy, even bone-crunching in extreme cases. When a defender is constantly embarrassed, the only way to prevent further humiliation is to go for the tormentor himself and turn the tackles malicious.

It is not acceptable but the English game is deep-rooted in its acceptance of physicality and such behavior has some way to go before it is eradicated. The faster route is of course to leave England if he fears for his legs, but the fact remains that injury is part and parcel of the game, in any league, and whether you are skillful or not.

Ronaldo can choose to go to Italy where the game is more tactical and defense-minded. After given a license to roam for the Red Devils, he will find the efficient Italian system too restrictive for his talents. The Italians also do not take too kindly to showmanship and losing face, considering where Marco van Basten ended his career prematurely, it is not a wise career move. In Spain, the tackles may not be less intimidating than the Premier League too but it is a likely destination in future.

Currently, Manchester United is the best club for him. It is lucrative (many foreign players see it as their retirement nest), there are lots of local and international media attention, and Alex Ferguson is like a father figure to him (a unique quality which not every club can furnish).

Ronaldo’s comments are intended to create more protection for himself in later matches. He is frustrated that his usual flowing game is interrupted unfairly. I can’t see the midfield wizard making his game staid, it will be unbearable for him, but some change like passing the ball quickly, instead of dribbling all the way to the heart of the opponent’s defens, may happen.

The Big Four cannot survive the FA Cup, I believe it is not a drop in standard, but more that they are jaded and distracted by the European competition, and of course, luck. If Manchester United want to take a positive from this match, they can now focus more on the Premier League and Champions League, eking out a draw may make them suffer even more with their jammed schedule.

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