Pique Ready for Roma

Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is ready to play if called for tomorrow night's Champions League tie with Roma.

Pique said: "I'm ready. I've waited a long time to get a chance in games like this. It's what I dreamt of when I left Barcelona. It's been frustrating because the manager told me in the summer that I would figure in his plans but Rio and Vida have been playing so well that I haven't had a chance.

"We are more mature as a team this season. People said we struggled last year when Rio and Vida were injured and we were knocked out of the Champions League by Milan but I think we are stronger now."

He added: "I am not afraid of anybody. Although Totti is not supposed to be in the squad, if he is fit to play I'm more than happy to face him. In fact, I look forward to it.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was fantastic with me after the match with Middlesbrough. He told me I had done well and made me feel good. It made me feel important again.

"The dressing room was quiet after the game. We were annoyed with the way it went but so many things happened in terms of losing a goal and then injuries after we'd made substitutions. We felt that we had come through a real test. You have to have a state of mind, whatever happens don't lose.

"Normally there'd be a lot of shouting but the manager was quite philosophical. He was happy overall with the way we played and we believe we can still win the title and the Champions League."