The first quarter-round of the Europa League between OL and Manchester United (2-2), Thursday evening at Groupama Stadium, gave rise to a sacred controversy. The pass of arms between Nemanja Matic and André Onana, by interposed media, was quite surprising. As a response to the Cameroonian goalkeeper believing that the Red Devils were “Much better” that the Gones, the Serbian midfielder passed by Mu torpedoed the former Inter player, believing that he was “Statistically one of the worst guards of Manchester United”. What splash the 98 world champion Fabien Barthez.
“Fabulous Fab” experienced the very high level with the residents of Old Trafford for three seasons. Starkeeper of the French team who won the 1998 World Cup then Euro 2000, Barthez was recruited by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2000 for 11 million euros. The “Divine Balle”, excellent with OM then AS Monaco in French D1, then had the heavy task of making Peter Schmeichel, the Taulier des Red Devils forget during the triplet of 1999. His passage is rather disappointing.
At the top of his art, Fabien Barthez made remarkable beginnings with United and became a darling of the Mancunian public, to be crowned champion of England. The player trained in Toulouse was included in the team of the year alongside his teammates Jaap Stam, Wes Brown, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Teddy Sheringham. His second season turned to vinegar, with several errors, and the Scottish boss then planned the arrival of Tim Howard in 2003, even before the elimination against Real Madrid of Ronaldo in the Champions League.
Fabien Barthez in the flop 3…
Despite her good beginnings, Barthez did not become a world reference under the colors of Manchester United (thus making her return to Marseille for an end of career without brilliance). Overall, he did not leave a very great memory across the Channel, as recalled by the debate triggered by the attack of Matic on Onana before Ol-Man United. The 98 world champion is cited by many followers of the Premier League among the biggest failures of the Red Devils in this position.
“André Onana can be placed without risk alongside Massimo Taibi and Fabien Barthez among the worst goalkeepers who played for Manchester United”launched David Simpson, host a podcast on arbitration. “Given the times, all prices are exorbitant and poor performance”he said, while André Onana cost much more (50 million euros) than “Fabulous Fab”. That said, the Cameroonian porter is now nicknamed “Calamity Onana” since his performance at Park OL on Thursday evening. Barthez was never descended in this way in England.
