Ferguson boost for Barthez

Sir Alex Ferguson says he has an open mind on the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford.

Fabien Barthez gets his chance to impress and show he is the number one when Manchester United face Sporting Lisbon in a friendly tonight in Portugal.

Barthez has been given extended leave by Ferguson and missed the trip to the United States after Confederations Cup duty.

He is facing stiff competition from Tim Howard, Roy Carroll and Ricardo in the coming season.

But Ferguson gave the Frenchman a boost by saying: “Fabien Barthez is a character, an experienced goalkeeper and will rise to the challenge, I’m confident of that.

“Fabien had a little blip for us at the end of the season, but Roy Carroll came in and did very well.

“Ricardo’s an experienced goalkeeper and so is Tim Howard – he’s been excellent.

“I’ve got an open mind on the goalkeeping situation.”

Former Nantes midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba will make his first appearance for the club and Mikael Silvestre is also recalled.

Like Barthez the pair were involved in the Confederations Cup.

Ferguson is freshening up the side after the four-match stint in the US and youngsters Mark Lynch and Danny Pugh will both play.

“This is the last game of a long tour, and the players are looking forward to getting home and seeing their families,” said the Old Trafford boss.

“We’ve played four games in 14 days, plus we’ve had the trip here.

“We’ll freshen the team up a bit with the youngsters and the three Confederations Cup players.”

Ferguson took time out, however, to praise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The versatile Norwegian has become one of the most influential figures at the club.

“Ole is one of the most knowledgeable players in the squad now, he’s a real student of the game. He’s an excellent pro,” he said.

“I started to play him wide on the left, thinking that would be his natural position and allow him to cut in on his right foot.

“But when he played on the right he was magnificent for us.”

United are opening Sporting Lisbon’s new stadium and Ferguson added: “They’re a great club with great tradition and it’s an honour to be asked over here.

“I know all about them from Carlos Queiroz, and I’ve also spoken to Peter Schmeichel who won the league here with Sporting.”