Henry: Barca can match United

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry believes Manchester United cannot be considered favourites when the two teams go head to head in the Champions League semi-finals later this month.

Barca's 1-0 home win over Schalke secured their meeting and Henry conceded that United are Europe's form team, saying: "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."

However, he added after the Catalans' 2-0 aggregate success: "People will say they are favourites, but nobody can really know."

Former Arsenal skipper Henry has faced United on numerous occasions in England and feels his side know what to expect from the Red Devils.

"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 he would be particularly motivated against one of his former club's biggest rivals and claimed this match will be very different to any Arsenal-Manchester United match.

"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.