Manchester United have reached the Champions League final for the first time since their dramatic victory in 1999 after beating Barcelona 1-0 on Tuesday at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes struck the single goal of the two legs after 14 minutes to give his side a 1-0 aggregate win over the Catalan giants, who completed their second season with no silverware. The action started early and possession belonged to Barcelona who seemed determined to get an early goal. Barca prodigy Lionel Messi was tripped on the edge of the area but his free kick was deflected by the wall. In the 14th minute Gianluca Zambrotta was easily dispossessed of the ball and Scholes severely punished him for that as he sent a swerving shot in the top corner of Victor Valdes' goal. The fans were ecstatic but Messi reminded them that the danger is still there as he had a brilliant solo effort and Manchester United's keeper Edwin Van Der Saar had to stretch well to keep his clean sheet. Park Ji Sung could have doubled the hosts' lead but his shot went inches off the post. Deco responded with two powerful shots but neither of them was in the frame. And just before the break Nani met Park's cross but missed the target with the header. The Red Devils took the initiative in the second half to avoid giving their visitors any edge that could risk their trip to Moscow. Carlos Tevez combined with Cristiano Ronaldo before firing a left-footed effort that was denied by Valdes. Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard brought Thierry Henry into action, in an attempt to break through United's solid defense. The Frenchman didn't have a major influence as he created only one threat when he met Messi's corner but it went straight at Van der Sar. Youngster Bojan Krkic and Eidur Gudjohnsen were also introduced but Alex Ferguson's men blocked all the ways and secured their ticket to Moscow. The final will be an all English-affair as United will wait for tomorrow's winner between Chelsea and Liverpool.
