Ferguson backs Grant to reverse stricken Pompey’s fortunes
Ferguson’s Manchester United side visit Fratton Park today looking to collect another three points and exert some pressure on Chelsea ahead of their eagerly-anticipated London derby with Arsenal tomorrow.
Even with Avram Grant installed as manager, few expect anything other than an away win, with Portsmouth believed by many to be certainties for the drop given their much-publicised financial strife and the loss of so many influential players since their 2008 FA Cup win under Harry Redknapp.
But Ferguson is not so sure. After analysing Pompey’s recent performances, he feels Grant can look forward to better times.
“Portsmouth have some very good players,” said Ferguson.
“I have looked at their videos and they may be in a false position.
“But being bottom of the league does create a reaction from owners and management of a club.”
There is an irony about Grant being in charge against United today.
When he succeeded Jose Mourinho at Chelsea his first match was against the Red Devils – he lost – as was his last, the 2008 Champions League final when the Blues were defeated in the Moscow rain after John Terry had missed a penalty that would have given his side victory.
Grant has kept in touch with Ferguson since and, after today at least, he will have plenty of good wishes from Old Trafford for the fight that lies ahead.
“Avram is a football man and there is no doubt he will be glad to get back into the game,” said the United chief.
“He has a task on his hands because his team are bottom of the league. But hopefully he can manage it.”
Ferguson will recall all his big guns following Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat to Besiktas, with Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes among those who missed out as United surrendered their 23-match unbeaten home record in the competition.
However, he will be forced to watch from the stands as he starts a two-match touchline ban imposed following his verbal attack on referee Alan Wiley.
Grant, meanwhile, insists he has not taken on an impossible task to save Portsmouth from relegation.
He said: “All challenges in football are different. It is the nature of the game.
“This is a difficult one, although not impossible, but when I was manager of Chelsea it was difficult as well.
“At the time I was appointed there were signs that the team was on the way down. They had gone to sixth in the table and that was not good enough.
“But in the end we were only beaten to the title by Manchester United on the last day of the season and, in my opinion, were the better team against them in the European final only to lose on penalties.
“Of course I am not happy at how things ended there. To be dismissed a few days after losing a European Cup final on penalties is not good but I am happy with the job I did at Stamford Bridge.”
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