Final chance for United's humble hero

The final whistle had sounded and Old Trafford had erupted but as red-shirted players bounced up and down in the centre circle, Paul Scholes appeared almost reluctant to join them, trotting slowly across the turf before finally taking the congratulations of his colleagues. Scholes had more reason than any Manchester United FC player to want to jump for joy. Not only had he scored the only goal of this absorbing semi-final; he had also ensured that, at 33, he would finally be able to put a UEFA Champions League final on his CV.

Match-winner
Suspended alongside Roy Keane when United captured the continental crown in Barcelona in 1999, Scholes will have the chance to make amends in Moscow after driving the superb 14th-minute goal that carried the Premier League team to their third European Champion Clubs' Cup final. Singled out for praise by his manager for his anchoring work in midfield following last week's Camp Nou stalemate, Scholes showed he has not lost his old scoring touch, unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner after Gianluca Zambrotta carelessly conceded possession some 25 metres from goal.

Promise
One of the generation of homegrown players who won Sir Alex his first UEFA Champions League title, Scholes – who made his tournament debut against Barcelona in a 2-2 draw here in October 1994 – had already been promised a place in United's starting XI in what will be the first all-English final. "I would have to be sentimental when it came to choosing my team for that one," said Sir Alex, in advance of tonight's game. "I'd have to pick Paul to play because he deserves it."

Midfield masterclass
It will not be on sentimental grounds alone, however, as Scholes demonstrated again with his capacity for industry, clever passing and timely interceptions alongside Michael Carrick in the United midfield. Not that he had the perfect match, mind. "Squeaky bum time" is Sir Alex's colourful phrase for the defining moments of a campaign and a sudden hush descended on Old Trafford after barely 60 seconds when Scholes brought down Lionel Messi on the very edge of United's box. Tackling has never been his strong suit.

Call to arms
United escaped then, but without the injured Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidić, they made an anxious start despite the noisy exhortations of their fans who drowned out the 4,000-strong Calatan contingent packed high up in the East Stand. Sir Alex had called on the supporters to "show your colours, wave your scarves, hoist your flags high" and the players entering the arena were greeted by the sight of the East Stand decked out in huge white letters spelling out the world 'Believe' against a red backdrop. A silver-paper European Cup glittered in the Stretford End, accompanied by the numbers 68 and 99 – the years of United's two previous triumphs.

Nerves
United's legend was built on European nights but they have also known their share of disappointments, notably three semi-final defeats in four under Sir Alex. Hence the early nerves. Edwin van der Sar sliced a clearance straight at Samuel Eto'o and Barcelona were soon weaving intricate patterns – their "passing carousel" to quote United's manager. If it was panic stations at times in the visitors' defence, notably in the spell immediately after conceding, Frank Rijkaard's men also had their moments going forward. Andrés Iniesta set up Deco who curled just over. Messi drew a diving save from Van der Sar after another mesmering run infield.

Danger men
United created chances too, Ji-Sung Park stabbing wide and Nani glancing a header past the post, and into the second half the hosts went for the kill. Carlos Tévez, leading the line enthusiastically in Rooney's absence, traded passes with Cristiano Ronaldo before drawing a near-post stop from Víctor Valdés. Nani jinked down the right but blazed his shot high over. Barcelona kept looking to Messi. Old Trafford had initially cheered every time the little Argentinian lost possession. Later in the game, however, there was an increasing predictability about Messi's forward surges, because time and again the final pass went astray. One delicious piece of skill took him around Scholes down by the by-line but again a red shirt intercepted.

Hearts in mouths
United have surrendered the initiative in these circumstances before and the threat lingered. "Who are you?" cried the Stretford End when Thierry Henry came on, yet there were hearts in mouths when the Arsenal FC old boy got his head to Xavi Hernández's corner only to direct it at Van der Sar. For a club which had tasted defeat in seven of nine previous semi-finals, the closing minutes were agony as Barcelona, their whole season at stake, desperately piled on the pressure. But United held out. After this 12th straight home win, Moscow beckoned and nobody deserved it more than that man Scholes.