Barcelona striker Thierry Henry does not believe that Manchester United should be regarded as favourites when the two teams meet in the Champions League semi-finals later this month.
“This is a game to get excited about, but we will have to play well because we will be up against a team who are playing incredibly. They are on great form,” he said.
However, the former Arsenal striker says Barcelona will not go into the game as underdogs.
“People will say they are favourites but nobody can really know,” he said.
Former Arsenal skipper Henry has faced United on numerous occasions in England and says his side know what to expect.
“They are a team in first place in their league and Cristiano Ronaldo is having an incredible season, so we know them pretty well. They won’t be able to surprise us,” he said.
The Frenchman denied that there would be extra motivation as a result of United’s rivalry long-established with his former club.
“There is none of that (ill-feeling). An Arsenal-Manchester United match is another thing, but this is a big game and we are going to fight to be in the final,” he said.
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard also believes there will be no favourites for the semi-final clash.
“I never talk about favourites. I am happy to play these two games, I am sure they are too. I will not talk about favourites, but they will be two great games and we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barca President Joan Laporta hopes the club’s fans will enjoy the team’s passage to the Champions League semi-finals.
“This is a moment to enjoy and a time for hope. It (the United tie) will be a great semi-final and one for the fans to enjoy,” he said.
