Arsenal

0-1

Man Utd

 

 

Scholes 32



Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the efforts of his players as they saw off Arsenal to reach the FA Cup final even without star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Paul Scholes' 32nd-minute strike from Ryan Giggs' cross proved decisive at Villa Park and ended the Gunners' dreams of a first-ever Treble.

Ferguson hailed United's support, who knew victory was essential to keep alive their hopes of a trophy this season.

Ferguson said: "Losing Ruud was a blow to us, but [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer's play was intelligent, he played his part well. I'm pleased for the players and for the supporters.''

The Scot admitted the early missed chance for Arsenal, where Edu's chip hit the crossbar and Roy Carroll tipped over Kolo Toure's rebound, proved to be a turning point.

"That gave us the bit of luck we needed,'' continued Ferguson. ``We started quite well, but the best chance came for them early on and Roy Carroll played his part well.''

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo gave arguably his best display so far for United and Ferguson added: ``We let Ronaldo be free, we felt the counter-attack would always be through him, he was the ace for us really.

"We obviously hope to win a trophy every season and I hope we get a chance to this year.''