It was a massive game from both teams. But the Red Devils crash Arsenal and reach the Champions League final in Rome.
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.
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.
The only blot for United was the red card for Darren Fletcher, who'll miss the final in Rome on May 27. But Ferguson can have little else to complain about after Arsenal managed just one consolation goal, a Robin van Persie penalty.
For United, the English Premier League is all but wrapped up, so the Red Devils can effectively concentrate on their Champions League final preparation weeks ahead of time. It is hard to see anyone stopping them, although Chelsea and Barcelona (who meet at Stamford Bridge in the other semifinal tie Wednesday) may have other ideas.
United's domestic dominance from 1998 to 2001 was a truly spectacular run, but this current period of excellence both at home and in Europe is even more impressive. Share your thoughts and comments below on where this United team ranks alongside the all-time greats.
Game over, and Ferguson could even afford the luxury of substituting Rooney and Patrice Evra to ensure the duo didn't earn a booking which would have ruled them out of the final - Fletcher was not to be so lucky.
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