Portsmouth v Manchester United
Follow every kick as Portsmouth take on Manchester United at Fratton Park in the Premier League
on 28-Nov-2009, kick off time 15:00
Portsmouth v Manchester United Live
Paul Hart was shown the door earlier this week despite Pompey showing
signs of improvement in the last month, ending October with
back-to-back 4-0 wins, before suffering frustrating defeats to
Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
The reverse at the Britannia Stadium was too much for the Fratton Park
board, with Grant stepping across from his director of football role.
Chief executive officer Peter Storrie told the club's official website:
"Avram's a very experienced and respected manager who's managed at the
highest level. The board believes he's the man to help steer the club
out of the relegation zone.
"He knows the club, the players and the set-up at Fratton Park, so it
was the logical move to make him the next manager, once the board had
decided to relieve Paul Hart of the role."
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be attempting to ignore the
chaos on the south coast and concentrate on earning a win that could
see them close the gap on Chelsea - who have a tricky trip to Arsenal
on Sunday - to just two points.
The reigning champions are waiting for news on the fitness of a number
of key players, although striker Dimitar Berbatov should make the squad
after beginning to train again on Tuesday following a knee injury.
An entire back four remain sidelined though, of which Rio Ferdinand
(back) and John O'Shea (ankle) are almost certain to miss out. Fabio
and Johnny Evans are healthier, though the performance of Wes Brown
against Everton will ease defensive fears if both men fail fitness
tests.
Pompey, bottom by three points, have a particular problem in goal after
number one David James sustained a calf injury last week. Jamie Ashdown
replaced him on Sunday and should start, while Asmir Begovic has been
recalled from his loan spell at Ipswich Town to provide further cover.
Source: DSG