Barthez awaits loan decision

FIFA have reached a decision on whether Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez will be allowed to move to Marseille on loan – but it will not be announced until all concerned parties had been informed.

Marseille, whose reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carasso is a long-term injury absentee, hope they will be given a special dispensation to sign Barthez outside of the normal transfer window.

Barthez has fallen out of favour with United boss Alex Ferguson and has been told France coach Jacques Santini he must play regular first-team football if he is to be sure of his place in the Euro 2004 squad.

A spokesman for FIFA said a decision had been reached yesterday but added that the player and clubs had first to be informed.

Meanwhile Gary Neville is urging his Manchester United team-mates to become a bit more street-wise.

United entertain Portsmouth on Saturday anxious to get back on track after a home defeat by Fulham.

England defender Neville was left in a state of disbelief at the way they caved in last weekend.

"There are times in a 38-game season you are not going to be 100%," he said.

"But certain things have to remain in place one of them being good defending. We worked hard against Fulham but perhaps we need to be a bit more wise.

"When we realise we are not playing well we should close up shop and play old-fashioned football, an ugly type of game," he added. Ferguson, who has completed a two-match touchline ban, is expected to make wholesale changes following the Carling Cup victory over Leeds.

Roy Keane is available again after being rested for the last two games but Paul Scholes misses out due to injury