United back on top but Fergie has the hump

Sir Alex Ferguson launched a stinging attack on his Manchester United players for their casual approach against Portsmouth at Old Trafford last night.

Wayne Rooney scored early on but the second goal from Michael Carrick which secured the 2-0 win came with only eight minutes to play.

Stretching their advantage: Wayne Rooney thanks Ryan Giggs for setting up his early goal

The victory took United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League above Liverpool but the manager was furious that victory was not achieved more emphatically and led him to question his players' commitment.

He said: 'Having seen that second-half performance I am taking nothing for granted. We have to put our foot down.

'I don't think we have any leeway if we don't perform. We were far too casual. We should have been five or six up at half-time but in the second half I was thinking we were going to throw it away.'

Furious: Ferguson lets rip at his 'casual' players

United were not at their best but were in control once Rooney converted a Ryan Giggs cross in only the ninth minute.

Thick of the action: Crouch surrounded by Scholes, Evans and Evra

Portsmouth came into the game in the second half and briefly threatened before Paul Scholes marked his 600th appearance for United by playing in Carrick for the clincher.

Carrick added: 'I don't know what there is left to say about players like Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

'They are unbelievable professionals. They have talent and ability and everybody can learn from them.'

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink conceded that his side's title challenge was over after they dropped two points in a goalless draw at home to Everton.