Reds have plan for the ban

Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff have made the necessary preparations to ensure that the start of the United manager’s two-game touchline ban does not make life difficult at Fratton Park.

The Reds boss will be in the stands on Saturday afternoon as he begins a suspension for comments made about referee Alan Wiley after the 2-2 draw with Sunderland in October.

“It shouldn’t really affect us,” said the boss. “We have got our communication lines in place for the game.”

That said, the noisy atmosphere – likely to be heightened as Pompey look to reassert themselves under new manager Avram Grant – might make talking to assistant manager Mike Phelan and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen a little more difficult.

“The only problem you’ve got is that it’s a very noisy place, Fratton Park,” added Sir Alex.

“It’s one of these old stadiums, the stands are a bit rickety nowadays, and the directors’ box is towards the home end where all the drums and noise is going on! It’s a good racket, and a terrific ground. But we should be OK.”