Barca have held the edge over their fierce rivals over the past two years - winning the La Liga on both occasions. However, with a new coach in charge and a slew of promising players in the squad, Real are ready to challenge the Catalan supremacy this season.

And Pique, for one, is looking forward to the challenge.

In comments reported by the club's officialw website, he said: "It will be fun. We are two very different teams with different styles although [Jose] Mourinho claims they will be attacking, with very different coaches and two great squads. Maybe other teams will be involved too, but both ourselves and Madrid will be up there."

Commenting on the fitness levels of the Barca players, he said: "We all came back with a good level of fitness and are in great condition.

"To play an international and then play so soon after would mean recharging very quickly. On a personal note though I felt better than I thought I would.

Barcelona face their first real battle of the season on Saturday when they seek to overcome a first-leg 3-1 deficit against Sevilla in the Spanish Supercopa.

"I think that they are different competitions [on Sevilla playing in the Champions League qualifier in midweek]. They will come here to win the Super Cup. They, like us, will only be thinking about the game on Saturday.

Last time the pair met was last September, when Ferguson came out on top in an epic Manchester derby at Old Trafford when Michael Owen scored the winner six minutes into stoppage time.

By the end of the year, Hughes had been dumped as Blues chief, owner Sheikh Mansour not convinced the Welshman was capable of delivering a 70-point target set in pre-season.

But Ferguson does not believe that decision is any reflection on his former player.

"Mark does not need to justify his performance at Manchester City," said Ferguson.

"He did a good job there.

"The employer who hired him had left. It is a fact of life that new employers want their own man."

Ferguson will offer his best wishes but after that, the focus will be entirely concentrated on collecting three more points for Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

United have been beaten on their last two league outings by the River Thames, last term with a team ravaged by defensive injuries.

There are no such fears this time around though as Patrice Evra has recovered from a minor injury sustained in the victory over Newcastle on Monday.

Huang issued a statement this evening saying he and his company QSL Sports were pulling out of takeover talks with the Barclays Premier League outfit.

Huang was the first party to openly declare an interest in buying the Merseysiders from Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but refused to comment when it was claimed his bid was backed by the Chinese government.

Huang's statement provided no reason for his decision to pull out of negotiations.

He said: "Over the past few months we learned first-hand that Liverpool has a very special place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

"We concluded that a plan that properly capitalises the business and provides funds for a new stadium and player-related costs would allow Liverpool FC to provide its great fans with the success they deserve.

"Our strategy and unique ability to expand the fanbase in Asia would also have been of benefit to all.

"We regret that we will not have the opportunity to implement this strategy.

Arsenal are in desperate need of some defensive cover - with Thomas Vermaelen the only established central defender in the squad.

Lorient Koscielny has played just one Premier League game while Johan Djourou spent most of last season injured. The 30-year-old Squillani would provide Gunners' fans with much relief, but they shouldn't get their hopes up yet.

In comments reported by the club's official website, Wenger said: "There is not a lot to say but he [Squillaci] is one of the players we look at.

"It is easier on the goalkeeper front because we are not short of numbers. With central defenders we are short number-wise so we look at him and he's one of the defenders we look at.

"But we are far from being close to signing him."

He wished the former Arsenal captain all the best as he was set to complete a move to north-London rivals Tottenham.

The 33-year-old - who joined the Gunners as part of the deal which took England full-back Ashley Cole to Chelsea on deadline day in August 2006 - was a free agent after failing to agree terms on a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium.

While few doubted his ability, French defender Gallas' temperament was debated.

He famously broke down in the centre circle at Birmingham February 2008 on the day Eduardo suffered his horrific broken leg.

Wenger also stripped Gallas of the captaincy, replacing him with Cesc Fabregas, for publicly questioning the character of the young Arsenal squad.

However, the Gunners boss maintained there were no lingering hard feelings.

"William has an exaggerated bad reputation. I believe that he is a genuine winner," said the Arsenal manager.

"He wants things not to be done at 90% and is completely focused and motivated to win.