United's fate is sealed by Barthez blunder

Manchester United 2 Deportivo La Coruña 3

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Ferguson's tolerance tested to limit

It will be déjà vu at Old Trafford on Tuesday when, for the second time in a month, an English team must gain a result against a Greek one. This time it is Manchester United who need to beat Olympiakos in the Champions' League and, unlike England, a draw may not be enough.

That is the consequence of their error-strewn performance last night. Ahead after seven minutes through Ruud van Nistelrooy, United conceded twice just before the break but went in level though Van Nistelrooy's second. But Fabien Barthez and Wes Brown, having gifted La Coruña their second goal, calamitously combined on the hour to enable Diego Tristan to put Deportivo top of Group G.

While Deportivo made five changes, the only alterations to the United line-up were on the bench. That Ferguson retained the same players, and the same 4-1-4-1 shape which Deportivo ultimately overwhelmed at La Riazor three weeks ago, underlined his confidence in the system following its much-improved performance in the second tie in Greece.

It also confirmed that, like a touring international rugby team, United now have two sides – the European XI and, for run-of-the-mill Premiership matches, the 'dirt-trackers'.

Whatever the personnel, one habit United appear unable to eradicate is that of being vulnerable in the opening minutes of home European ties. So it was again last night as, after five minutes, Amavisca's clever pass freed Diego Tristan. Fortunately for United the striker could only chip gently into the arms of Barthez. This was partly due to pressure by Ronnie Johnsen but there was a price to be paid, for the Norwegian pulled up with what looked like a muscle injury.

Not that United were disadvantaged as he limped off. Though down to 10 men while Brown stripped off, they went on the attack with Ryan Giggs driving deep into the heart of the visitors' defence. He ghosted past three players but the move threatened to falter as Van Nistelrooy inadvertently blocked his path. Adapting smartly, Giggs stepped aside and the Dutchman drilled a shot past Jose Molina.

Amavisca was quick to curl a shot wide in response but it was not until the 25th minute that Barthez was again drawn into action, Aldo Duscher bringing a leaping save from the goalkeeper. Soon after Victor drove just past the far post.

In an open match, United were also playing with positive intent and Giggs again carved La Coruña open after 33 minutes. This time, however, Van Nistelrooy was unable to supply the finishing touch.

Regret came quickly for, two minutes later, Deportivo were level. Four minutes later they were ahead. First Diego Tristan fed Sergio, who all but tricked his way through the soft centre of United's defence only for Brown to make what appeared to be a vital interception. But, to United's horror, he and Barthez blundered into each other, leaving Sergio with a tap-in.

United were still reeling when Deportivo swept forward again. The ball was relayed to Hector on the right flank and, with Neville stranded upfield and Beckham left to compete with two opponents at the far post, Diego Tristan headed in.

Just as in Spain, United were looking unusually mortal but this time there was time to rally. Neville and Beckham gave Van Nistelrooy the glimmer of an opening and, with an exquisite chip from a tight angle, he took it in style. There was still time for Beckham to give United an undeserved half-time lead but Molina saved athletically.

If La Coruña were downhearted by United's recovery it did not show. Three minutes into the second half Amavisca broke on the left and squared for Valeron, who brought a stunning save from Barthez. Three cheers for Barthez? Not for long. A dozen minutes later he reverted to Dr Jekyll. Rushing from his goal area to clear a loose ball, he delayed to indulge in his usual showboating, then became distracted by Brown's presence, and ended up scrabbling on the ground unsuccessfully trying to stop Diego Tristan from rolling the ball in.

After Giggs and Beckham had gone close, Barthez partially redeemed himself with a save from Walter Pandiani. But with Cole heading into the side-netting, and Van Nistelrooy volleying over, the customary final charge drew a blank.

Manchester United (4-1-4-1): Barthez; G Neville, Johnsen (Brown, 8), Blanc, Irwin (Solskjaer, 84); Keane; Beckham, Scholes (Cole, 62), Veron, Giggs; Van Nistelrooy. Substitutes not used: Carroll (gk), Butt, Chadwick, Silvestre.

Deportivo La Coruña (4-2-3-1): Molina (Nuno, h-t); Hector, Donato, Naybet, Romero (Capdevila, 79); Sergio, Duscher; Victor, Valeron, Amavisca; Diego Tristan (Pandiani, 82). Substitutes not used: Cesar, Djalminha, Emerson, Scaloni.

Referee: H Fandel (Germany).