Two Frenchmen together! Right after baldy striker Nicolas Anelka came baldy goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, number nine in the listings and then custodian for the other Manchester club.
Barthez caught the attention of Alex Ferguson, who was searching for a star goalkeeper to replace the recently departed Schmeichel, as Ferguson did not think that the previous season's keeper, Bosnich, was a long-term replacement. Barthez joined United for £7.8 million in 2000. He was later reunited with national team-mate Laurent Blanc who joined Manchester United in 2001. The Barthez-Blanc head-kissing ritual was performed at the start of Champions League matches.
Well-known for being eccentric, Barthez started out well for Manchester United. His first season was a triumph. Barthez performed brilliantly throughout the season and became a crowd favourite. The fans loved his eccentric behaviour, his taunting dribbles and step-overs past opposing strikers, and most importantly, his remarkable reaction saves.Very often it was critical saves that kept United from defeat or dropping valuable points, helping them to the 2000-01 Premier League title.
The 2001–02 season was split into two parts for him. The first half was a nightmare. The Frenchman seemed to be taking some unnecessary risks outside his penalty area, and his antics began to have consequences that allowed unneeded goals for opposing teams. However, Ferguson stuck by him. Consequently in the second half of the season, Barthez repaired his reputation with consistent, solid performances and the spectacular saves that he was famous for.
The 2002–2003 season was a mixed bag for Barthez. He was dropped for the final three games of the season, with Roy Carroll taking his place.
You too could play for United - on paper! Be cartooned in their kit here!
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