Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Gerard Pique's situation at Barcelona.

The former United defender has fallen out with coach Pep Guardiola and has been dropped for games against Real Madrid and Chelsea in the past week.

Ferguson has always regarded Pique highly and admits he regrets having to sell the then youngster with his path to the first team blocked.

Now, with Rio Ferdinand entering his veteran years, Ferguson could move to bring Pique back to Old Trafford, where he still has many friends - including star striker Wayne Rooney.