Rampant United gun down Arsenal to reach final
Manchester United swept back into the Champions League final as the
holders produced a stunning 3-1 win over Arsenal in Tuesday's semi-final
second leg.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side arrived at the Emirates Stadium holding only
a slender 1-0 lead from last week's first leg, but United scored twice
in the first 11 minutes to set up a 4-1 aggregate triumph that booked
their place in the final against Chelsea or Barcelona, who meet in their
decider Wednesday.
Ferguson said that he had been pleased with his side's display.
"Obviously we got a big break for the first goal with the lad (Kieran
Gibbs) slipping and Park Ji-Sung took advantage. However, in terms of
how we played and our confidence and willingness to run it was overall a
terrific display," said Ferguson. United, who beat Chelsea in last
year's final, were given a helping hand from Arsenal as South Korea
winger Park Ji-Sung punished an embarrassing slip from Kieran Gibbs to
open the scoring.
Cristiano Ronaldo then deceived Manuel Almunia with a long-range
free-kick, and the Portuguese striker put the result beyond doubt when
he added his second goal after half-time.
"I think I am back to my best, yes," said Ronaldo.
"Certainly in the last few games. But I always try to play good all
the time. "Sometimes it is not possible" Arsenal barely tested United
keeper Edwin van der Sar until Robin van Persie converted a late penalty
after Darren Fletcher was sent off, ruling him out of the final, for a
foul on Cesc Fabregas.
Ferguson was upset for the Scotland star.
"I think he was unlucky, because the ball certainly moved in a
different direction after the contact in the area. He was terribly
unlucky.
"However, the referee (Roberto Rosetti, who took charge of the Euro
2008 final) is one of the best in Europe. Darren would probably have
played a large part in the final."
Even that couldn't detract from a fantastic display from United, who
are the first defending champions to reach the final since Juventus in
1997. They were simply outstanding and exposed the flaws in Arsene
Wenger's inexperienced, injury-hit team with ruthless efficiency.
LONDON, (AFP)
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