Nov 28
Manchester United vs Portsmouth: Preview
After a miserable midweek Champions League match against Besiktas, the Premier League is here to save the day as bottom club Portsmouth host the Champions at Fratton Park. However, Sir Alex begins his two-match ban, so Mike Phelan will be handing out the touchline instructions.
It is Avram Grant’s first game in charge of Pompey after the departure of Paul Hart on Tuesday, and he seems up for the challenge,
“The spirit of the team and atmosphere are good. The squad is good enough to take us from the bottom, but we need some players who can improve us.”
It is Grant’s second spell at the club as he left Fratton Park in July 2007 to take up a director of football role at Chelsea succeeding Jose Mourinho in September of that year, but he was sacked at the end of the season despite guiding his side to second in the Premier League and the Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to our good selves.
Many of you may also remember Avram Grant’s first game in charge of Chelsea, a 2-0 defeat against the mighty reds. Lets hope history repeats itself on Saturday. Omens look positive for us as Portsmouth have been stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table since August and have the least effective front line in the Premier League, scoring just 10 goals in their 13 games. Vidic may have to wait for his contract and also some defensive tasks on Saturday.
Goalkeeper David James looks likely to miss the match with a calf injury, and should be replaced by Jamie Ashdown. Pompey could welcome back Papa Bouba Diop, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. John Utaka and Steve Finnan may also make it to the bench. One player to look out for is Aruna Dindane, Portsmouth’s top scorer with 4 so far this season (3 of which came against Wigan). Jamie O’Hara is another to look out for, he has been one of few bright lights at Fratton Park this season, providing the energy in the Pompey midfield and also an attacking threat we should be wary of.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been very gracious and respectful to his opposite number,
“He’s very experienced and I’m sure he will get the right reaction from his players. We’ve kept in touch quite a lot and he will be glad to get back into management. He has got a big challenge, but they have some good players and they might be in a false position.”
A much changed line up from Wednesday won’t include Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves who are definitely out, while Jonny Evans and John O’Shea have not made the trip south. This means Wesley Brown, “the best natural defender in the country” according to Ferguson, will continue his partnership with Vidic at the back. Evra should be recalled and Gary Neville will take up his usual position, as will Van der Sar.
With Portsmouth weak at left-back, Valencia will start to give the side a potent attacking threat down the right. After a rest in midweek, Carrick and Fletcher should form the midfield pairing, with Ryan Giggs battling it out with Gabriel Obertan for the left side position. Giggs should be given the nod as he searches for his 100th Premier League goal.
In the final third Dimitar Berbatov should be back after missing the last four matches and Wayne Rooney will commence service as well with Michael Owen dropping to the bench as has become the norm.
A word of caution: We have only managed two victories at Fratton Park in the Premier League out of six attempts, we have lost our last two away fixtures, not three in a row since 1996. Portsmouth haven’t scored in the last three matches between the sides. A comfortable victory and one that would be our 2,000th in the league, should ensue given the majority of the first team has in effect had a week off and should be fresh.
Portsmouth will have that air of confidence a new manager brings, but ultimately we should be too strong.
Prediction: 3-0
Probable Line Up: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Portsmouth: Preview
- Preview: Pompey vs Reds
- Portsmouth Preview
- Some NOTW Nonsense + Community Shield Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Footy4Eddy: what i cant hate on drogba anymore. you know he needs more kung fu kicks in his life.
Like?
0 
0
@NicoQB: You just called Lil Man Nani a name – now you are going to get some incendiary devices coming your way you evil guy Nico
.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Now we are reaching the decissive part of the season as next 2 months will be very important..
so for 2 months,Points matter most than entertainment…Moreover they are not playing for charity purpose mate…They do business and want money which can only be achieved by winning…
But these all things are correct by their view and at the end We,the fans, suffer as for us the game means entertainment…
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Well said. You are a consumer like myself, even more so because you go to the games. I have to pay to watch most of them and even then both of us are guilty when buying their merchandise. And we have to answer to anyone over our allegiance or because of our thoughts and feelings. My hope was always that folks on here would appreciate and gain something from insight whether they agreed with it or not. One is always better off if they receive multiple opinions and perspectives on anything in life. It keeps us all from being one dimensional sheep that are just prone to following and never have the depth or knowledge to lead.
Like?
0 
0
@Onkar: Very well said and I totally concur. Usually when this kind of thing happens and i am in the middle of it it will have to do with a troll showing up and invoking he new world order on me and us all or a lingering feud between two simply because on of them doesn’t like the other. RR takes care of this nonsense including my part but it is important that the regulars on this blog have a mutual respect for each other to prevent these instance from occurring. It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing, it’s about having the right to do so and respecting each other for those differences. If one cannot handle my negativity for example, I suggest they look for another hobby or a blog that peddles in Glazer propaganda. This blog has always been outstanding because of it’s diversity. And for that diversity to work and be the envy of other blogs, we need to get along and support each other. And let outsiders coming in for a fight know that they are messing with a community here, not just an individual. A few on this blog need to be reminded of that, whether they like me personally, or not.
Like?
0 
0
@colver: Very well said. Had I said that I would have been vilified as usual. Well thought out mate.
Like?
0 
0
@Traverse: Good for you. I respect that, honestly I do, but why not you respect those who couldn’t stomach such a change in the fortunes of the club when we all know they are the most popular club in the world, a proven money maker and a not a team that should be running it’s affairs like Wolverhampton Wanderers or Leeds United. I have higher goals and aspirations for this club. And I will reiterate one more time, I did not select this club years ago because they were an unattractive side with a nickel and dime budget. Listening to John Motson commentate during the 1983 FA Cup refer to United as the most popular team in the world back then says it all. It’s never been about Fergie. He has accomplished the most but he took over a culture, tradition and style of football that he maintained up until last year. All I am asking is that this should continue. That takes more positive tactics and the money to buy the proper players who will fit in that system.
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc:
Like?
0 
0
@poiuy: Yes they are because Adler will make Fergie regret he never went after him come World Cup time.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: “It could be a case of age, a phase in life where someone doesn’t get joy out of many things, and a poorly performing football club might just be far too much for that person”. I certainly relate to that.
By the way, I would never turn to Arsenal. No matter what I say and feel, I am United for life but the one thing that can change is how hard core my devotion gets. It can be intense like now or it could wain to me just checking to see how the club is doing. That is actually not up to me. It’s up to Manchester United and how much the appreciate me as a fan. Improve the team, buy star players and win playing attractive entertaining football and i am as devoted as anyone. Continue to play slow boring crap infested football and i will be looking for the results in the following day’s box scores. It’s really that simple simply because I am not a glutton for punishment. And watching the club today is akin to punishment. At least it is for me.
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: I couldn’t have said it better Bro. No matter what, United for life.
Like?
0 
0
@NicoQB: Present conditions have made him want to record games and decide whether they are worth watching. I seriously doubt he did this before the beginning of this season’s boring horror show. It’s the old adage fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Well United has fooled Jay Wire and myself more than twice and after a while you hate being taken for a fool or a blind sheep headed for the slaughter. I for one love the team but can find a multitude of different things to do with my time as opposed to watching us lose at Burnley or stink the joint up with reserves against Besiktas. Being a fan does not mean one should volunteer for cruel and unusual punishment.
I have ben lucky enough to have grown up and been given a large dose of the greatest football, both in players, and tactics from Germany, Holland and Brazil. I grew up watching “Total Football” in it’s full blown glory and watching the Cruyff’s Beckenbauer’s and Mullers play the game the way it was intended. I first final I ever watched was Brazil and Pele destroying the negative and defensive Italians (True and more gratifying justice has never been matched) 4-1. Sorry to those who find this boring but I have been consumed by the history of the game and especially the periods of the game when offense and attack were the core principles. So regardless of my love and affiliation with Man Utd, I grew up loving and demanding attacking football. Football was never greater than the high scoring German Bundesliga of the 70′s. 7-5, 6-4, 8-3, 4-4 were common scores back in those days. Bayern Munich were one of the best teams back then and even they would occasionally be thrashed. I remember seeing them lose 7-1 to Schalke during a year when the won the European Cup and had the great Muller, Beckenbauer and Sepp Maier in goal. Back then a goalkeeper was not judged on number of clean sheets, but by save percentage.
God I miss those halcyon days of exciting and unpredictable football where minnows came to play and often beat the best teams just by being positive rather than parking the bus. After having experienced that kind of football utopia and then 20 years of Fergie’s attacking machine devour the English league and Europe now I am expected to tolerate this present serving of garbage? I have too keen an eye for the game and have experienced the game over thousands of hours from all parts of the world. I know there is something better to this, but still I remain loyal to the club I’ve chosen to support. Now I ask them to be loyal to me and give me a risen to feel rewarded in the present and future. For those who cannot comprehend where I am coming from or even more so, tolerate, I say tough beans.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Another aspect here is the tribal nature of the sport in England/Scotland.
The joy of the camaraderie – the power of numbers, friendships made etc, also has a huge element of partisanship involved. You will tow the company line regardless, and to speak out against the beloved club is very taboo – with possible social ramifications.
This answers the questions as to why some will criticize others, on this blog, for speaking out against the way our team is run.
I still have a small element of this in how I support the team, but I have to admit that it has mostly waned away after leaving the UK so many years ago. I also believe that the older you get, you become more interested in the facts and the “truth” and less involved in the primal elements that excite our male ego’s.
Although you seek the truth and want to hold those at the club responsible for the slop they serve up now, you must understand that there are those that, with equal passion, will want your head on a platter!!
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: Toughening up goes both ways mate. Perhaps I need to toughen up but those who seem intolerant of my rants also need to toughen up, consider where they are going and stop and think. The recipient is not the guilty party here, even if he needs to toughen up. The instigator is the one who should use more common sense and toughen up by keeping his hatred and personal attacks to himself. People have souls and feelings mate. Nobody like their efforts and their personalities mocked or insulted. If you have no problem with that, that’s yours to own. I do have a problem with it and I don’t feel I should have to apologize and keep silent when somebody comes out of the blue with one agenda and that’s to personally attack me. Where I come from , you defend your honor and your pride against uncalled for attacks.
Like?
0 
0
Is anyone here excited about the arrival of Adem Ljajic??? Or is it just me?!
Just saw a clip of the kid in action and although it was a compilation, he does look to be a bright prospect. We might have in our possession a versatile attacking midfielder wunderkind when he arrives; as he looks to be able to play left wing, right wing or atacking mid like, dare I say, Kaka. 
Wonder if Fergie would restrict his first team chances like Tosic or give him more or less an immediate chance like Obertan!?
Like?
0 
0
@owen: United is a marketing entity. They are sold throughout the world as apopular team that plays great football. If they keep trying to push chopped liver to people who are expecting steak, they will lose a lot of that world wide following and their market share and wealth will begin to decline. So no, points are not more important as you need to look at the bigger picture. This is a business and all businesses need customers. I hard core fans like myself and Jay Wire all of a sudden decide I’m no longer buying ticket, jersey’s or cable tv packages because the quality of entertainment is nil, then I think this hurts the club greatly. Above, all, the present incarnation of Man Utd football is not winning over new fans. Fans looking for a team to follow. Why follow a team that plays to not lose as opposed to a team that plays to win? Why follow a team when you pay tickets to see a CL match and what you get is 10 reserves? United need to address the concerns of many of their fans or risk alienating and even losing many of them.
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: I see what you mean and I agree with it but in only speaks of the stupidity of the working class in England that they would allow their minds to be so easily manipulated. I am not one for gangs, and firms and other forms of loyal allegiance. I personally feel it’s a sign of incredible weakness and insecurity. You were more intelligent than the average hooligans and were able to grow, mature and accept things fro what they were. Knowledge and experience does that. Some however feel they must surround themselves with similar Neanderthals and bring everyone down to their level. I have never had any respect for narrow minded stupidity and I am not going to start now. Excellent points you brought up Rich, as always.
And for the record, my head is to big for just an average platter.
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel: I have so given up waiting for young players to show up or emerge because they never seem to amount to anything. All of them suffer from too much hype and substance.
Hopefully he will live up to his hype and be a pleasant surprise to me as I still think he is far too young to make any significant contribution to our club.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I hope he does fulfill his potential here, as it would be great to finally possess that penetrating midfield playmaker our team is lacking, on the cheap. I honestly feel not all the younglins are doing that bad; Obertan sure looks like he’s got an intelligent(no, not oversized
) head on him and can actually create opportunities for our forwards. Macheda as well looks a decent finisher and I reckon would shine next to Rooney or Berba. The lad is a proper No.9; strong, has a good eye for goal and is usually in the right positions to score; don’t understand why we got Owen when we had Macheda and even Welbeck in reserve??!!
I really hope those boys put on a show tmz. I’m going for a Macheda strike and an assist from Obertan.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Actually I don’t go to games at OT. I don’t live in the UK. I meant the money I spend to get access to MUTV and the like in order to watch the games live on satellite. When you live in developing nations you would understand that subscribing to these services is considered an unnecessary luxury. They are designed with the rich in mind and are very expensive for some of us. But the reality with me is not just about the money but the time and common sense. Why endure pain which helps you in no way and spend time cursing and being depressed by what is before your eyes?
Like?
0 
0
God bless the Neanderthals
.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Totally for LIFE Grog
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: I`d never convert from United, NEVER!!!
It`s in my blood to be a red devil…
Like?
0 
0
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: I realize that but I was including ticket holders as well as all the rest. Canada is far from a developing nation but our cable tv is also not cheap over all. I still have to say that we are pretty blessed with fairly easy access to most EPL games and definitely all games by the Big Four and we have a good Champions League coverage to so all the bases are covered here. I sympathize with those who have a tougher time catching the club or who have to look for streaming sites. Just shows the passion and commitment of people who love man Utd and the game. All the more reason for United to respect that commitment and attempt to field a better product designed to succeed as well as entertain. There is a reason Italian clubs do not have the world wide popularity that Spanish and English clubs (other than those of Italian ancestry) get. It’s because they offer a dull and slow product with relatively few scoring opportunities per game and much fewer goals. The Italians like to hide by terms like technical, tactical and professional but they are just cowardly, boring and disgusting. My worry is that we are borrowing all the negative aspects of the negative Serie A but without the financial spending ambitions of some of their big clubs.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I’m not going to change your mind by going on at you, and you’re not going to change mine by going on at me. Obviously I respect your opinions and your right to have them, I just disagree on almost every syllable
As long as the respect is reciprocated then we have no personal problems.
Lets talk about something we can all agree on. Nani’s off…..
Like?
0 
0
Messi won the Ballon D’or. Ronaldo 2nd. Xavi 3rd. Can’t find where Rooney came.
Rooney for 2010? A good showing in the Champs League and the World Cup would be nice…
Like?
0 
0
Anyone seen this??
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/12/01/manchester-united-star-dimitar-berbatov-s-mafia-kidnap-terror-115875-21863535/
It might be tabloid rubbish but it might also explain why Berbatov hasn’t featured in any games since the international break. The poor guy, he just had a new born baby and those scumbags are threatening his family
Like?
0 
0
@Traverse: Read he won by a landslide too!! Fully deserved anyway; Barca won their treble last year and scored a gazillion goals in the process, with Messi usually the top performer in their games.
Rooney for 2010??? F*ck yeah!!!!
I’m up for that; let’s hope he continues on his run now, he’s already into double figures. All SAF has to do is consistently partner him up so he can also get assists and a foil to play off. 
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Well I knew you wouldn’t agree that they have the right to comment,
but you should at least acknowledge the power and influence it may hold over a lot of folks.
To go on to call them all Hooligans and Gangsters and the English working class – ignorant, does not help your cause. Neither doesn’t it help you understand why you get “picked on”.
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel: I’d seen the bit about his first kidnapping about a month ago. Wonder if it gave rise to this new incident??
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel: Yeah, Gabi, I agree about Macheda. He’s just about the right size to do some damage, and to play balls off to Rooney.
), but the kid oozes with promise. Hope to see him tomorrow.
He’s half a step slow right now and seems confused about the point of our attack (who’s not!
Obertan, well I just haven’t seen enough yet. But he needs to take on a defender and beat him!!
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: ..don’t know, just saw the link and read the story; it’s my first time reading about any of the alleged kidnappings too. I just feel sorry for the lad. Don’t want to patronise but I know the mental state I would be in if something like that happened to my parents or any members of my immediate or extended family. I just hope those mob bosses and criminals get what they deserve; threatening a man is fine, but threatening his family, including his new born daughter, is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish.
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: I feel that’s because he rarely plays anymore, only training with the first team. He is stuck in between two worlds, Macheda; too good for the reserves and not yet ready for the 1st team. This is why such experience acquired in the besiktas game and carling cup games are vital. If he was match sharp, he would have banged at least a goal in the besiktas game. This is why i feel he will get one tmz, it is destiny!!
Obertan does look like he can beat a man, it is quite obvious from the way he attacks defenders. I reckon he still has some nerves and a tiny lack of confidence as he has just played like three times for us. The more he plays, the more confident and assertive he will get. That lad is looking more and more like a gem and i’m just happy we have another winger who instead of slowing a counter attack down, speeds it up.
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel: I think the PFA in conjunction with EUFA and FIFA should provide security for Berbs and his family.
Something like this can become prevalent amongst well paid communities, and footy players fit that bill.
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: He oozes with something Red Rich but IT AINT PROMISE!
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: Well there is the hair goop too!!
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: What the hell are doing up this late??
Like?
0 
0
Looks like the kids will get another shot.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article6938278.ece
Good choice by SAF, it’s really time to see whether or not we can make some starters out of this bunch.
Playing time is their only possible launching pad with this team, and I’m happy to see that SAF is committed to them and not the Carling Cup.
I’m waiting eagerly, spittoon in hand, for other comments!!
Like?
0 
0
Special offers for the Special One! Jose Mourinho could choose from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool for his England return
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1232132/Special-offers-Special-One-Jose-Mourinho-choose-Manchester-United-Manchester-City-Liverpool-England-return.html
What are the thoughts on this by fellow ranters???? He just seems to be waiting for an invitation… I know that there are not many here who belong to his fan club. But, I would like to pose you a simple question..
Would it be OK if he joins the DIPPERS or BITTERS or is it better that we are taking him on our payroll???
I mean I am more than 100% sure that if he goes to DIPPERS or BITTERS he almost certainly finish there trophy drought for the years. I am man is “Certified Trophy Winner”.
So even if he may not be best suit fro us in many people’s mind I would rather have him at our corner rather than having him in opponents corner, especially when those opponents are our small neighbors….
Like?
0 
0
@Traverse: It’s fine if you don’t agree with me on anything, really. What’s not OK is you tagging up with a troll who comes on here for the purpose of clearly insulting and abusing me. That was not appreciated when you basically gave him a pat on the back for his BS. That is not a sign of respect as I see it and feels more like a stab in the back. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I didn’t appreciate it and so now, we can move on.
By the way, what do you mean Nani’s off?
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel: Yes he will be awesome and his goal tally will be immense as long as he keeps getting to penalty shots a game.
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: True but that individual came across that way and I have to admit, I’m still steaming over it so I overreacted and generalized. I am also a little concerned about why so much is made of my comments and not enough of about the outrageously rude and immature crap from the ass clown who started this mess. I’m still kind of receiving the grief and having my contributions judged and questioned. It’s really messing with my head and my heart. I’m too damned sensitive for my own good. I don’t openly go out and insult people and attack them unless I am provoked. Otherwise, whatever I say does not deserve the kind of replies I got from him no matter how controversial my comments might be.
Like?
0 
0
The Truth, as bequoth by the Prophet:
Ballon d’or
@2010: Cristiano Ronaldo
@2011: Anderson Luis de Abreau Oliviera
@2012: Doesn’t the world end by then?
Like?
0 
0
Hey this place has just gone totally silent.. Till yesterday the people here were spouting fire around the place and now pin drop silence as they call….
Is it case of no ones bothered about Carling Cup or what???? Common people KIDS are going to play against one the most in form company. We have already lost one record while attempting to play KIDS last Wednesday and now there is another one on line i.e we have not lost to SPURS for what almost 20 yrs now at OT. So are we going to loose that record as well or what…???
Or I wonder it seems like no one is bothered about this Mickey Mouse competition any more…
Like?
0 
0
For those fans…: http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5736444,00.html
“”I think that if Krasic leave CSKA in January, he is 90 per cent likely to go to England,” Dejan Joksimovic told Calciomercato.
“Manchester United? There are three or four big English clubs, with important financial resources, interested in him.”
Like?
0 
0
Personally I think Mourinho is on his way to Manchester City. Benitez is too stubborn to quit Liverpool and the owners cannot afford to sack him. Wenger is a permanent fixture at Arsenal. Ancelotti is the toast of Chelsea. So Manchester City is the only club that gives Mourinho a good shot at winning trophies. And Hughes will almost certainly be sacked if he fails to win anything this season.
I do not want to see Mourinho at Chelsea because I think he could win them the title within a few years especially if the Arabs continue to fund the club. So I think Fergie should do the decent thing and step aside for Mourinho, or at least move upstairs.
Like?
0 
0
@colver:
I do not want to see Mourinho at Chelsea because… I think you meant Man Shitty isn’t it???
Anyway, this is exactly what I have been pointing out. I mean the man is too good to manage your bitter rivals. And I won’t be able to digest at all that he is winning trophies at Shittty, which we all know he almost certainly will. I hope we will act smart and fast because we all know where he wants to be and that at United but its about whether we will offer him….
I hope we will be stoping him from going to Shitty. As ARAB money + JOSE = BIG TROUBLE…..
Like?
0 
0
Onkar Mickey Mouse competition would be more important than the carling cup
Like?
0 
0
@ROOOOONEY:
Like?
0 
0