Crisis-ridden Portsmouth host second-placed Manchester United on Saturday under the guidance of new manager Avram Grant.

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.

With Papa Bouba Diop, John Utaka and Steve Finnan all potentially unfit, the Portsmouth faithful could be watching from behind the sofa while Hart hides a wry smile.