United claim right to Rome: Arsenal 1, Man United 3 (agg 1-4)

MANCHESTER United produced a performance of gladiatorial proportions to conquer arch-rivals Arsenal and book their place in Rome for the final of the Champions League.

The Reds have enjoyed some magical European nights in Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure as manager, but this one rates up alongside the most memorable achievements.

After Ji-Sung Park gave United a dream start, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to give the Reds a margin of victory they can scarcely have dreamed of before kick-off.

“We scored two quick goals which knocked the wind out of their sails and that left them with a mountain to climb,” said Ferguson, who believes his team can create history by becoming the first to defend their Champions League crown.

“I think we have the quality, the energy and the vision to do it. When the chips are down, they don’t let me down.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger conceded United deserved their victory as they were the better team over the two legs.

“The disappointing thing was that the party was over before it began. Congratulations to United and good luck to them for the final,” said Wenger.

The only sour note for United was the late dismissal of Darren Fletcher who will miss the final. He was sent off for bringing down Cesc Fabregas as he burst through on goal. Robin van Persie scored Arsenal’s consolation from the penalty spot.

Television replays showed Fletcher clearly got a touch to the ball first and it was a mistake by the referee. However, the midfield man has no right of appeal.

“Darren is one of the most honest players and to miss the final is a tragedy. Of course he is disappointed. He is distraught,” said Ferguson.

Park justified his inclusion in the starting line-up ahead of the likes of Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes when he made the vital breakthrough for the Reds in the eighth minute.

The Gunners defence was sliced open by a combination of Anderson and Ronaldo and an unfortunate slip by Kieran Gibbs gifted Park the opening goal as he coolly lofted the ball over keeper Almunia.

And the passage to Rome was all but assured by the 11th minute when Ronaldo doubled the advantage with another of his trademark free kicks, blasting home from 40 yards.

Despite their best efforts, there was no way Arsenal could inch their way back into the match as United defended with great resolve and authority.

Inevitably, it was Ronaldo who scored the third goal just after the hour.

He began the move with a cheeky back heel just outside his own defensive box. Park and Rooney broke rapidly upfield and Ronaldo, who showed why he is world player of the year after a devastating display, appeared from nowhere to run on to Rooney’s angled pass to fire into the roof of the net past a bewildered Almunia - a signal for the home fans to leave in their droves.