Golden Scholsie

Oh Lord he scores goals.

Manchester United are through to the Champions League final in Moscow after a 1-0 second leg defeat of Barcelona at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes scored the decisive goal with a wonder strike on 14 minutes latching on to a stray pass from Gianluca Zambrotta and unleashing a rocket shot from 25 yards leaving goalkeeper Victor Valdes with no chance.

Despite the buffer Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were well aware that an away goal from Barca could send them crashing out.

United battled out the rest of an incredibly tense match with a near flawless defensive display, every player impressed and contributed in a gargantuan team effort which stifled Barca’s creativity.

Reeling from defeat to Chelsea at the weekend, United were without the injured Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney – it was their replacements Wes Brown and Carlos Tevez whom impressed the most.

Brown partnering an excellent Rio Ferdinand in defence arguably had his finest game in a United shirt denying Barca any real clear-cut chances.

Carlos Tevez’ worked tirelessly and his strength and skill on the ball kept the pressure on the Barca defence.

But it was Scholes who was the hero of the night and his goal means he can finally banish the memory of being suspended for the 1999 Champions League final.

An elated Fergie has pledged to start Scholes in the final.

‘He's one of the great players to come through the ranks here,’ said Ferguson.

‘But I'm so pleased for everyone. It's a great feeling, marvellous. This club deserves to be in the final.’

It now sets up a mouth-watering all English final. Bring it on.

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