MANCHESTER: A Paul Scholes wonder goal was enough to put Manchester United into the Champions League final. With Wayne Rooney injured and unable to play, Cristiano Ronaldo had to fill in at striker.

Barcelona looked dangerous a few times in the first half. Dazzling runs from Lionel Messi caused a few problems but the United defense was always up to the task. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to find his form throughout the match. He looked frustrated throughout and was not able to catch his rhythm.

Against the run of play, the Barcelona defense was unable to clear a ball on which Paul Scholes pounced and smashed a curling shot into the top right corner of the goal. Victor Valdez never stood a chance in stopping the wonderful shot.

The rest of the match was suspenseful because one goal would put Barcelona into the final. Thierry Henry entered the match during the second half but was rather disappointing. Frank Rijkaard hoped that Henry’s familiarity with Manchester United would give him an edge, but to his disappointed the Manchester United defense was able to handle Henry rather easily.

Manchester United will play the winner of the Chelsea/Liverpool tie in the final which will be played in Moscow, Russia on May 21st.