Soccer: Barthez linked with Utd keeper position
Friday, 5 May 2000 13:23Mark Bosnich has vowed to meet head on any new challenger for his goalkeeper's jersey at Manchester United. Bosnich has promised to fight for his place after Monaco's French international Fabien Barthez became the latest big-name keeper to be linked with the Premiership champions. The World Cup winner has asked Monaco for a transfer after falling out with coach Claude Puel and would like to move to Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson is also reportedly interested in Italians Giani Buffon and Francesco Toldo as the United boss considers ways of increasing the competition for places among his goalkeepers. Bosnich has had to get used to such speculation after being dropped twice during his first season back at Old Trafford. But after fighting back to see off the challenges of Massimo Taibi and Raimond van der Gouw, he is confident of also beating any new arrival.
"You're going to have speculation no matter where you are and especially at a club of this size," said the Australian international. "But I've had it all year and this is an obstacle I have had to put up with. At the end of the day if the speculation is right then whoever comes in will have to deal with my record. I've won two trophies in my first season."
