Fergie wary of new manager syndrome

Sir Alex Ferguson is wary of the threat Portsmouth will face under new manager Avram Grant this weekend.

Manchester United will travel to Portsmouth on Saturday for what will be Avram Grant’s first game in charge, and Sir Alex knows that “new manager syndrome” may well be in effect.

The term refers to the way a team raises their game following the appointment of a new manager as the players all try to impress the new boss.

“There will be a response from their players,” he said. “You always have when you change manager,” he said.

“I know Avram well from his time with Chelsea and Portsmouth in the past. He’s very experienced and I’m sure he will get the right reaction from his players.”