BARTHEZ PLAYS DOWN SKIN COMPLAINT

By Paul Higham

MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has played down reports of him having a skin condition, saying that it is not as serious as it is being made out to be.

The French shot-stopper did return to pre-season training with his hands bandaged for protection, but he insists that it is not a major problem saying: "It's nothing, it's not serious."

The 29-year-old looked to be suffering when he attended a coaching school in Manchester with his bandages, but was happy to promote the launch of new goalkeeping gloves later on (Pictured).

The condition is thought to be intermittent but has not stopped Barthez becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world and wearing the French number one jersey as they claimed the World Cup and European Championship.

Barthez will be fit to face treble winners Liverpool in the Charity Shield on Sunday, and should not be affected too badly with the condition throughout the season.