Enrique warns Reds

Barcelona legend Luis Enrique feels there is little to choose between his former side and United, ahead of their looming Champions League semi-final.

The Catalan giants' stuttering La Liga form has prompted many pundits to place United as favourites to face either Liverpool or Chelsea in this year's final, but Enrique expects Frank Rijkaard's side to raise their game for the Reds.

"I think it will be very equal," Enrique told Sport, a newspaper in his native Spain.

"United, on paper, are better at the moment. They are top of the Premiership and have impressed in the Champions League and have looked very strong throughout.

"They have had 11 (consecutive home) wins in Europe and that shows what level they are at right now.

"But I still think that Barcelona have every chance of going through.

"The first game is at Camp Nou and with our fans behind us I think it will be a spectacular game. Without doubt, it is one of the best ties there could be in Europe right now. I hope we can earn a good result for the second leg.

"I truly believe and expect the tie to be very even. I think Frank Rijkaard will enjoy the ambiguity of it. This is the last step to the final and I think the team will raise their game."

Enrique was part of the Barcelona side who contested two memorable 3-3 draws with United during the 1998/99 season, and can still recall the pulsating atmosphere of playing at Old Trafford.

"The atmosphere there is absolutely incredible, truly spectacular," he said.

"United do not have a song like Liverpool, but the stadium is incredible, the noise is deafening and everything there is what any player would dream of. It is a joy to play there."