Ricardo signing questioned by Barthez

Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has questioned the club's decision to sign Ricardo.

Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has questioned the club's decision to sign Ricardo.

Manager Alex Ferguson paid Valladolid Stg£1.5million for Spanish keeper Ricardo in August, but Barthez told the News Of The World: "I don't know why he was signed, certainly not to take my place.

"Ricardo's presence does nothing to concern me. There is no competition from him."

The 31-year-old has hit out at his own critics too. He added: "Anything you might have heard about me not being at my best is a load of rubbish. Some people just like to make this up but I'll show them.

READ MORE

"It is all just pure invention by people trying to belittle me - the same as the rumours that I am going to be leaving Manchester.

"Me? On my way out of the club? I don't think so and the manager hasn't said anything to me, so I don't know where that has come from.

"I am the one who knows exactly what goes on inside the club and I don't care about the rest.

"I've never been much of a talker. All that matters to me is winning, and the same goes for my team. We will keep going and do what we do best."