FAB'S BACK IN FORM

Last updated : 23 October 2002 By Editor

Despite being heavily criticized last year Alex Ferguson claims that Fabien Barthez is in top form.

Ferguson said: "Fabien is back to his very best. There is no question about that. He has shaken off the criticism he got and his body language has looked really positive.

"He has been a key figure in the improvement in our defensive displays compared to last season."

Ferguson added: "Ricardo's arrival has helped the situation. Along with Roy Carroll he is providing competition for the goalkeeping position.

"But Fabien is the man in the team. As far as his future goes, I have read a lot of things over the last year. Never, though, has he told me he wants away."

The oldest trick in the book. More from Fergie on the Fulham match.

"I do not think the referee helped. He was getting involved in a situation on the edge of the box.

"It is not as if Fabien has cheated in the sense of bringing a player down. He has not hurt anyone. It was just a bit of gamesmanship, hardly a crime, and he did get booked for it."

And as for Olympiakos Ferguson insists United won't be taking it easy: "the opportunity is there for us to get through with games to spare and that is what we will be aiming to do."