Neville left out as Giggs returns for United

Manchester United v Portsmouth

Managerless Portsmouth arrived at Old Trafford looking for only their second Premiership away win of the season, with the return of Harry Redknapp seemingly only hours away from being rubber-stamped.

Although chairman Milan Mandaric, who flew to Manchester straight after attending George Best’s funeral, was not expected to comment on the situation today, it appears to be only a matter of time before Redknapp returns to Fratton Park.

His presence is much-needed at the south-coast club, who have slipped into the relegation zone and were expected to get nothing at a ground where they have not won since 1957.

Twenty-four hours after being installed as United’s new captain, Gary Neville was not even on the bench, Ruud van Nistelrooy retaining the skipper’s armband even though Ryan Giggs was included for the first time since he fractured his cheekbone against Lille in October.