Grant explained Ferguson was thankful for the performance of his keeper Tomasz Kuszczak as United picked up a 4-1 win at Fratton Park.

The scoreline didn't tell the story of the game as the Blues failed to take advantage of a host of chances in the first-half.

They went in all square at the break at 1-1, but United turned on the style after the interval and punished Grant's side for wasting openings.

The Israeli admitted he knew Pompey were going to rue not putting away more of the opportunities which came their way.

And the 54-year-old acknowledged his side now face a long hard season after falling seven points from safety.

But Grant stated he was buoyed by the spirit showed by his side, and insisted they can still turn around their season.

He said: 'I spoke to Sir Alex after the game.

'He said we played well and created so many chances against them.

'He was happy for his goalkeeper.

'We created many chances against United. This is positive if we continue like this things will improve.

'When you create and miss chances against United it costs you.

'I knew if you play United when you have chances you have to score.

'We created chance after chance after chance. It was going to hurt.

'I think at first we were better but in the second half we didn't start as well. It was a penalty and we lost the ball on the counter.

'I knew what the situation was when I came as director of football. It's a big challenge, but it is possible.

'It will not be easy and it will be a long, long battle. I will do my best and it can be done.

'You can see the spirit of the team and the quality of the football.

'But we will do it if we don't give soft goals away.'

Grant believes Pompey didn't get the rub of the green when United took the lead from Wayne Rooney's penalty.

He thought it was a soft spot-kick when Rooney went down with Michael Brown in close attendance.

It's not the first time Grant has been left unhappy with ref Mike Dean after he incorrectly sent off John Obi Mikel against United when Chelsea boss last year.

Grant said: 'I've had bad decisions against United before.

'Again, I think it was the wrong decision of the referee.

'I don't think it was right to always talk about the referee, but it wasn't right this time.

'I wish I knew it was the same ref. Maybe he likes Man United or doesn't like me, I don't know.'

Grant is now planning talks with the Pompey board to discuss what the financial climate will be like for him in the January transfer window.

He acknowledged he has some tough fixtures to negotiate before that comes around.

Grant said: 'We will discuss our plans. I've met the owner once and I'm in contact with Peter. That is easier for me.

'We will see what we can do in January.

'I think it will be very tough for us in December, but life will not be much easier after!

'We have to get into our head that it will be a long, long season and we need to take points. I finished sixth after being in a relegation battle before. I'd settle for the top 17 this time!'