In a month’s time Bruce Springsteen, that quintessential purveyor of blue-collar dreams, will be taking centre stage at Old Trafford singing his rock’n'roll narratives. For now, though, the Theatre of Dreams belongs to footballers and last night the working-class hero came not from New Jersey but from Salford. The ambition, though, was the same. Like Springsteen’s steelworkers and panel beaters Paul Scholes wanted to make a mark, to rise above the rest, to seek “Glory Days” and “The Promised Land”.
A winners’ dressing room is a jubilant place, one might think. Champagne everywhere, cheers and celebrations. Playing for a big club, however, brings with it an inherent stress. While Rio Ferdinand said he was unable to “put his feelings into words” after Manchester United’s victory last night, Michael Carrick gave a revealing insight into the demands felt by Manchester United players. Asked what the mood was in the dressing room he said it was, “more than anything, relief”. He added: “We put ourselves under so much pressure to win things, and we are still only in the final, and that is going to be tough.”
Sir Alex Ferguson may one day remember it as the prelude to his finest hour; the rest of us will consider it the siege of Old Trafford or the night when Manchester United took on Lionel Messi for a place in the European Cup final. The little Argentine might just have done it on his own were it not for the extraordinary contribution of Paul Scholes, whose goal pitched a match, a night, the whole history of his famous club into a thrilling new chapter.
KARL Marginson has described tonight’s UniBond Division One North playoff semi-final against Bamber Bridge as the biggest match in FC United’s history.
Richard Jolly was at Old Trafford to see Scholes roll back the years and book a place in Moscow.
Man United 1 Barcelona 0: a blistering long-range shot from the midfielder has set up an all-English Champions League final
Rio Ferdinand praises United’s resilience to make it past Barca to the final.
United are going to Moscow after Scholes seals a gripping semi final victory.
Watch match action from Old Trafford on MUTV Online and MUTV.
The Reds midfielder can’t contain his delight at United’s semi-final success.
Paul Doyle: Paul Scholes’s winner encapsulated what made this clash so engaging
Paul Scholes’ first-half strike booked Manchester United a trip to Moscow
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed match-winner Paul Scholes would be on duty in the Champions League final after his memorable goal saw off Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Ruthless rebuilding has been the hallmark of the United manager’s quest for glory, writes Louise Taylor
Paul Scholes ended nine years of personal torment by blasting Manchester United into the Champions League final with the only goal as they beat Barcelona 1-0.
Follow tonight’s match live from 19:45 BST via text, audio and mobile.
Our pick of the pics from the second leg of the Champions League semi-final
Bryan Robson urges United fans to get behind the boys on Tuesday.
If you’re going to Old Trafford tonight, prepare for a long, loud evening.
Giggs says the Reds’ mix of experience and enthusiasm is key.
Manchester United report to FA on battle with Chelsea groundstaff may include claim Patrice Evra was allegedly called ‘immigrant’
Players and clubs may wish to forget the Battle of the Bridge but the FA has a duty to act. That’s easier said than done
Sir Alex Ferguson predicts an open match in Tuesday’s second leg as Barcelona pledge to stick by attacking instincts
United manager says fans can make the difference on Tuesday night.
Manchester United manager may risk playing Rooney and Vidic despite injuries, writes Tim Rich.
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol says that the goalless draw his side achieved in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Manchester United at Camp Nou gives the Catalans the edge going into the return leg.
Barcelona manager has claimed that if his side made it to the European Cup final, the key moment would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty in the Nou Camp. Tim Rich reports.
Manchester United report to FA on battle with Chelsea groundstaff may include claim Patrice Evra was allegedly called ‘immigrant’
Steve Claridge: Fraizer Campbell has been a revelation for Hull, and has the potential to score a lot of top-flight goals
Kevin McCarra: Victory over Barcelona would inject the euphoria that should carry Manchester United to the Premier League title
David Pleat: A look at the key clashes as Manchester United meet Barcelona
Manchester United manager says his side must seize “marvellous opportunity” to win in at home in the Champions League
Manchester United report to FA on battle with Chelsea groundstaff may include claim Patrice Evra was allegedly called ‘immigrant’
Manchester United must throw caution to the wind and tear into the Spanish side, writes Don Howe.
Alex Ferguson’s team must ditch their tactical strait-jacket and embrace a joie de vivre, writes Henry Winter.
Fanatical home crowd will try to banish Manchester United’s Chelsea blues, writes Richard Bright.
If the Catalan side are to reach the Champions League final, they must do it their way, writes Sid Lowe.
Club send report to FA as campaigners call for clarity, writes Jeremy Wilson
Sir Alex Ferguson did little to dispel the notion that Manchester United are feeling the pressure with an erratic performance at the press conference ahead of the clash with Barcelona
Victory over Barcelona would inject the euphoria that should carry Manchester United to the Premier League title, says Kevin McCarra
Manchester United’s statements to the Football Association on the Stamford Bridge fracas between their players and members of Chelsea’s ground staff will detail allegations that Patrice Evra was racially abused.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s dream of winning the European Cup again could be undone tonight by a player who was not even alive when the Manchester United manager lifted his first trophy for the club in 1990. The 17-year-old striker, Bojan Krkic, who was born three months after Ferguson got his hands on the FA Cup with United’s replay win over Crystal Palace, has been breaking records and ripping up reputations all season.
The Barcelona coach has claimed that the Portuguese winger will take the blame if Manchester United fail to qualify
Sir Alex Ferguson predicts an open match in Tuesday’s second leg as Barcelona pledge to stick by attacking instincts
Don’t be surprised when players returning to the pitch to stretch so soon after a fierce game leads to confrontation
Players and clubs may wish to forget the Battle of the Bridge but the FA has a duty to act. That’s easier said than done
Manchester United manager says his side must seize “marvellous opportunity” to win in at home in the Champions League
Manchester United report to FA on battle with Chelsea groundstaff may include claim Patrice Evra was allegedly called ‘immigrant’
Manchester United will pay tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in August with a testimonial match.
Sir Alex is confident his side’s character will win through against Barcelona.
