Scholes fires United into final

Paul Scholes has ended nine years of personal torment by blasting Manchester United into the Champions League final.

Scholes' 14th-minute strike ensured Moscow will host an all-English affair on May 21, with championship challengers Chelsea or old rivals Liverpool lying in wait to provide the opposition for United.

The hosts had barely threatened the Barcelona penalty area, let alone actually get into it when the goal came.

Inexplicably, Xavi tried to force a pass to Yaya Toure, only to find Scholes instead.

His last European goal might have been in October 2006 but the 32-year-old made no mistake from 30 yards out when he belted the ball beyond Victor Valdes.

Had Wes Brown or Nani found the net with flicked headers or Park Ji-Sung's precise strike not rolled just wide of the Barcelona net, United could have had the contest wrapped up by half-time.

But with Samuel Eto'o a formidable force, Lionel Messi weaving his magic on the right wing and Deco a regular threat from deep positions, United spent long periods chasing.

Henry came on late into the game and came close to equalising as he met Deco's corner with a firm header and again when he curled a shot goalwards from the edge of the box. But on both occasions Edwin van der Sar saved.

United eventually held on and reached their second final in nine years.

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