Sir Alex impressed by buoyant Barça

Manchester United FC may be up against FC Internazionale Milano in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but Sir Alex Ferguson believes FC Barcelona could yet prove the biggest challengers to their crown, telling fans in Malta he was impressed by the Liga leaders' "strength in depth".

Birthday celebrations
The Manchester United Supporters' Club Malta is recognised as United's oldest registered supporters' club, with their 50th anniversary earning them a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes on Monday. The trip to Malta represents a rare break for the English leaders, who will take on Inter on 24 February and 11 March. Sir Alex said Inter "will be really tough opponents," adding: "José Mourinho is a very good tactical coach and we all know that."

Barça menace
However, when it comes to defending the title they won in Moscow last summer, Sir Alex sees FC Barcelona as his side's main competitors. "Barcelona have got strength in depth as far as their squad is concerned and having a 12-point lead at this stage at the top of La Liga is quite a confirmation of their strength," he said. "I think Barcelona will be the biggest threat if Manchester United are to win the Champions league this season."

'Experience'
United defeated the Spanish side in the semi-finals last term en route to winning the competition for a third time and Sir Alex believes his team are well equipped to retain their crown. "I'm very happy with our current squad," he said. "[There is] lots of experience on our side and I must mention some exceptional youngsters who are knocking on the doors of established players. That is why I believe we can keep our place at the top. The quality is very good. We again are challenging on all four fronts. We are going through a fantastic spell and the beauty of it is that it seems never-ending."

'Great keeper'
That has been in large part to the strength of the United defence and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in particular. The 38-year-old was unbeaten again on Sunday as United defeated West Ham United FC 1-0 to go two points clear at the top of the Premier League. "Van der Sar is the man that will be talked about after his clean record of 13 clean sheets. He is a great keeper but everyone has been fantastic, especially our defence which has been great."

Liverpool challenge
Speaking before the dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari as Chelsea FC manager, Sir Alex added that he felt Liverpool FC remain the biggest threat to United pulling off their third successive Premier League title. "I will not be surprised if Chelsea recover their form soon enough to remain in the title challenge," Sir Alex said. "They do have a lot of top-quality players but I still do think Liverpool will remain our main title challengers this year."

Giggs winner
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Ryan Giggs said retirement was far from his mind after scoring the winner against West Ham. The Welshman, now in his 19th season for United, said he had "absolutely no intention" of hanging up his boots in the summer. "I am enjoying my football more than ever," he declared.