Avram Grant has said he will remain patient with his Portsmouth squad after taking over from Paul Hart during the week.

The former Chelsea boss was disappointed after Pompey lost 4-1 to Manchester United on Saturday but is happy to give his side time to gel under new management and will be content if they can simply survive in the top flight this season.

"I have spent 90 per cent of my career as a manager at the top, although there was one season (with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 1998) which was very difficult. We managed to finish sixth that year, but I can't promise Portsmouth will finish in the top six this season - I will settle for the top 17!," Grant said.

"Even though we are in last place, the spirit is good and we created chance after chance against United. It will be very tough for us in December, but we have to get into our heads that it is a long season, a long battle."

Despite the loss, Grant took solace in the fact that his opposing manager complimented Portsmouth's performance.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson after the game and he said we played very good," he added.