Transfer Tales: Barthez signs for United

A year on from doing the Treble, Manchester United were in the hunt for a new goalkeeper.

When Peter Schmeichel made his farewell performance against Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp, in that incredible comeback victory to win the Champions League, Mark Bosnich was drafted in on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling.

However, Sir Alex had initially seen a bid for Fabien Barthez rejected by Monaco and resurrected his interest in the France number one.

Sir Alex decided to set up a big-money deal for the World Cup winner but talks were protracted over the financial aspects, until a fee of close to £8 million was reportedly enough to get it done.

Agreeing to Barthez’s personal terms also did not appear to be plain sailing but, upon signing a six-year contract, in an attempt to explain the delay, he joked to journalists: “We just couldn’t find a pen!”

It was claimed the keeper would only be behind skipper Roy Keane in terms of overall salary.

“When I found out I could talk to United this week, it was an easy decision to make,” Barthez said. “I was enormously flattered. I’m not here for the weather [with it being worse than in Monaco]. I’m here to play football.”

Sir Alex was delighted to bring in a new keeper and unconcerned about any negative reaction from Bosnich: “Coming here will be the best thing that has happened to Fabien in his life. He’ll love playing in front of 68,000 fans every week because he has the personality to rise to it.

“Bosnich will be battling for his place like anyone else. Fabien will be, as well. A club of this size needs challenges but, if Mark has anything to say, he’ll obviously come and see me.”

Barthez did have the personality to express himself at United and helped the side win the Premier League title in his first season (2000/01) and 2002/03.

An eccentric character, he was one of the first ‘sweeper keepers’ and played 139 times for the Reds.

In 2004, he left to return to France, signing for Marseille, but is remembered for his contribution to the cause at Old Trafford.

Happy 54th birthday to Fabien today (Saturday)!

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