CLAIREFONTAINE, France France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez praised Alex Ferguson and Manchester United on Tuesday saying the England champions are the best side he has ever played with.

"They are true professionals. It was the first thing which impressed me when I went there", Barthez said. "They just treat you like a grown-up."

"It's not like in France where coaches and staffs always treat you like a kid", he said.

Barthez who won the World Cup in France in 1998 and also lifted the European Cup with Olympique Marseille in 1993, has just won his first English league championship medal following Manchester United's canter to the title.

Despite their exit from the Champions League last week when they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, Barthez says he has thoroughly enjoyed his first year at Old Trafford following his $15 million transfer from Monaco last year.

"If you look at what Alex Ferguson achieved has over the last ten years there is not much to criticize," Barthez said. "His tactical choices are perfect."

"He is a great pro and he does not patronize you. Actually he lets me do what I want. He lets me take my own responsibilities," Reuters quoted Barthez as saying.