Que sera sera...

Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be...We’re going to Wembley.

It’s a song that hasn’t been heard for so long, but Manchester United were singing it at Villa Park as the race to reach this year’s FA Cup Final reached a climax. And wasn’t it good to hear?

The fact that the 2007 Final will be back at its spiritual home for the first time in seven years added extra drama to a Semi-Final that was exciting in its own right.

Some of the old cliches will be missing from tomorrow morning’s papers - those referring to the Twin Towers, for instance, and maybe some of those referring to Wembley’s rich past.

But when United run out under the newly-constructed arch at the world’s most famous stadium they will be ready to start a new page in English football history.

With that in mind it was fitting that the final hurdle of this year’s competition provided a stage for several players who will surely provide the history of the future.

Wayne Rooney, for instance, lit up Villa Park with a wonderful opening goal and then set up United’s second for Cristiano Ronaldo, rapidly winning votes in the race for the title of ‘world’s best player’.

Rooney also added United’s third in a 4-1 victory, side-footing home a cross from Alan Smith - another good news story after the former Leeds man’s long absence through injury.

There was also a goal for another England international, Kieran Richardson, late on.

But true to the tradition of The FA Cup underdogs, Watford - who reached The Final in 1984 - didn’t allow their rivals to have it all their own way.

In Hameur Bouazza they had one of the game’s most exciting players, as proved by his acrobatic goal in the first half and a non-stop energetic performance in the second.

Watford’s ‘yellow army’ of fans also provided colour and atmosphere - matched it has to be said by United's thunderous chanting - and they were rewarded with a spirited display from their heroes.

Both sets of players wore black armbands in memory of victims of the Hillsborough Disaster, a tragedy that will be remembered all the more keenly on its anniversary tomorrow. And that was a timely and thought-provoking reminder that not all of football’s history is cause for celebration.

On Saturday, however, the atmosphere was one of joy, excitement and hope for the future.

If this Semi-Final is anything to go by, 'new' Wembley is in for a treat when United visit for its first Final on 19 May.

Watford: Lee, Chambers (Kabba 70), Stewart, Carlisle, DeMerit, Francis, Mahon, Mariappa (Doyley 88), Priskin (King 78), Bouazza, Smith.

Subs not used: Loach, Bangura.

Manchester United: Van Der Sar, Evra, Heinze, Ferdinand (Fletcher 41), Brown, Ronaldo (Richardson 78), Rooney, Giggs (Solskjaer 83), Smith, Carrick, Scholes.

Subs not used: Kuszczak, Cathcart.

Referee: Howard Webb.

Assistant Referees: Phil Sharp and Glenn Turner.

Fourth Official: Martin Atkinson.

Attendance: 37,425