Barthez back to his best, says Ferguson

ALEX FERGUSON believes eccentric goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is back to his best.

The Frenchman’s Old Trafford future was the subject of much speculation over the summer and he was tipped to be ditched after a series of high-profile blunders. Barthez survived, only for the injury frustrations which have blighted his time at United to return, a hip problem suffered in pre-season forcing him out of the opening five games.

However, the 31-year-old has been an ever-present since, and while his controversial delaying tactics hit the headlines at Fulham at the weekend, his eventual penalty save from Steed Malbranque was a throwback to the form which turned him into a world and European champion.

‘‘There is no disputing that his form has been terrific,’’ said Ferguson. ‘‘Hips are a delicate area for any goalkeeper and it was something he had to overcome. He doesn’t speak perfect English, so you could never say communication was his strong point but he has a presence about him.

‘‘Experience and overall personality are important factors for any goalkeeper and in particular with Fabien. That is what has made him what he is.’’

Barthez will once again be between the sticks as United look for the single point against Olympiakos in Athens tonight which will ensure qualification for the Champions League second group stage. Having already beaten the Greeks 4-0 three weeks ago, United embarked on the four-hour journey to south-east Europe in confident mood.

However, last season’s 2-0 triumph over the same opposition last year remains the only time Olympiakos have suffered a home defeat in 17 Champions League ties.

And, with their home games switched this term from the vast Olympic Stadium to their spiritual home in the 14,000-capacity Apollon Rizoupolis, a warm reception is guaranteed for Ferguson’s men.

‘‘Playing Olympiakos at home will be a different proposition for us and we are expecting a tough night,’’ said Ferguson.

‘‘The atmosphere will probably be more volatile because the crowd is nearer to the pitch.

‘‘As their record suggests, coming here is always a challenge. The Greeks are very passionate supporters and we need to handle that part of the game.’’

United flew into Greece without Nicky Butt and Ruud van Nistelrooy, sidelined with ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively.

Ferguson admitted the club are still trying to unearth the cause of Butt’s ongoing ankle trouble but expressed optimistic noises that Van Nistelrooy could be back to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday, possibly alongside another recent injury victim Rio Ferdinand, whose recovery from knee surgery is almost complete. ‘‘We tried to nurse Ruud through a couple of weeks back but while you hope a tight hamstring will go away, it seldom does, so we have taken the decision to try and get rid of it once and for all,’’ said the Red Devils chief.

‘‘We have given him a proper course of rehab and he is working hard in the gym, so we will see where that takes us. It’s possible both Ruud and Rio will be fit for Saturday but at the very worst it will be Southampton the following week.’’ With resources again stretched, Ferguson is likely to stick with the side which began Saturday’s draw at Fulham, with either Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs deployed in a floating position just behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The only other two members of the travelling party in contention for a starting berth are Diego Forlan and Quinton Fortune, who could fill the left-sided role if Giggs is pushed further forward, possibly at the expense of Phil Neville. ‘‘We do not have the strongest squad just now,’’ said Ferguson. ‘‘There is only so much we can change round so the players who have been doing it for us recently will have to do it again.’’

However, if Ferguson thinks he has problems, they pale into insignificance alongside those of his hosts.

The collapse of Greece’s contracted football television network has seen all domestic games postponed until this weekend, so Olympiakos have not played a game since their unhappy visit to Old Trafford. In the meantime, coach Panagiotis Lemonis has been sacked and replaced by Yiannis Kollias.