Match Report - Manchester United 4-1 FC Schalke 04 (Aggregate: 6-1)

Competition: Champions League, Semi-Final (2nd Leg)
Kick-Off & Date: 7:45pm, Wednesday, 4th May 2011
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (Home)
Attendance: 74,637
 

Manchester United will meet Barcelona in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, after The Reds thrashed FC Schalke 04 4-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, and 6-1 on aggregate. Antonio Valencia was first off the mark, thanks to a wonderful through ball from Darron Gibson, who then turned goalscorer to put United into a comfortable lead. Oliveira Anderson's second half-double put the tie to bed after José Jurado netted a consolation...

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a young and inexperienced side, but the starting XI were still more knowledgeable than Schalke's strongest line-up. John O'Shea captained The Red Devils, with Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans acting as centre-backs. Rafael Da Silva was placed at left-back, while Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson and Oliveira Anderson started in midfield. Antonio Valencia and Luis Nani supported lone striker Dimitar Berbatov. 

There was no two-pronged attack as expected, but United's wingers were just as useful. Edwin Van Der Sar was one of only three players to remain in the team that lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend, but despite the club's big hitters being left on the bench or in the stands, there was little nerves around The Theatre Of Dream, boasting a striking mosaic of our three European Cups to date.
 
Jefferson Farfan came closest for The Royal Blues early on, but it was the home side who looked more likely to break the deadlock. Nani's flamboyant dribbling nearly landed Schalke in the doldrums, and it was clear who was on the front foot. Speaking of feet, Gibson was writhing in pain with what appeared to be an injury to his rib cage after a solid tackle, but United's medical staff got the Republic Of Ireland midfielder back to his feet.
 
Shortly after some sublime footwork from Berbatov, Gibson rewarded the supporters' patience. Anderson nicked the ball off Atsuto Uchida, giving it straight to Gibson, who spotted Valencia's darting run into the box. His pick-out was superb and Manuel Neuer - although making contact with the ball - was beaten by the Ecuadorian winger. It was never going to be a dead rubber, but it was more or less a case closed when Valencia slotted home.

Gibson was certainly living up to Sir Alex's high standards, showing that he can do much more that strike the odd long-range screamer. The 23-year-old has a proper future ahead of him, but many critics don't see him becoming a mainstay at Old Trafford, his midweek performance begged to differ. But it wasn't just Gibson who was exceeding expectations, Anderson was putting in a good shift as well - both assisted by Scholes, the maestro.

It wasn't long before United had virtually wrapped-up the match as a contest. The 75,000 odd crowd were expecting to be entertained in the second leg, and the game was an energetic one.

From Anderson's throw-in near the right corner flag, Valencia gained possesion and flew past the Schalke's outer defence. He cued to Gibson, whose powerful effort drilled into the gloves of Manuel Neuer, or so it had appeared. In fact, Neuer failed to make the save and when the ball slipped past his hands, it hit the post and deflected in... Not the impression the German net-keeper would want to give his potential suitors. 

Nonetheless, Darron Gibson had scored and United were cruising.

4-0 to the good on aggregate, and even Barca's head coach Josep Guardiola - in the Executive Seating area - seemed impressed. There was no way back for the Germans - and United were making history - having recorded their first win in the knock-out stages over German opposition, they were making it a one-two. But the first half wasn't all plain sailing, with the visitors exploiting uncertainty at the back.

Smalling's attempted clearance was cut-out by Schalke, with Uchida's resulting cross into the box changing it's path on several occasions. Raul's header was blocked by Rafael, but the ball hit Evans - unknowingly - setting-up José Jurado for a stunning strike into the left top corner of Van Der Sar's goal. But a mix-up in defence wasn't going to deter Manchester United from winning on the night, or going through to the Champions League Final...

Valencia nearly put Schalke on the back foot again, but Benedikt Howedes managed to clear his shot off the line. It was the turn for referee Pedro Proenca to take centre-stage, as he riled the home crowd by booking Gibson, Scholes and Anderson in the space of 5 minutes, with each yellow card dished-out in harsh circumstances. Yet it was United who led 2-1 going into the dressing rooms at half-time.

Patrice Evra replaced Rafael, who had been limping on and off for the beginning of the second half. Nani, Valencia and Berbatov all tried their luck, but Neuer was keeping them out. The stadium turned into a party atmosphere midway during the second period - as supporters realised that even a miracle wouldn't reverse Schalke's faith. 'Que sera sera, Whatever will be, will be, We're going to Wembley' rang around the ground with half and hour to spare.

A lightning-quick run from Nani down the right-hand-side saw Anderson add to The Red Devil's tally. The Portuguese winger accelerated past the Germans, crossing into the box for the Brazilian playmaker. Anderson's original shot was blocked, but he pounced on the rebound and fired past Neuer for United's third of the night... Four minutes later, and Anderson was celebrating again thanks to Berbatov's generous pass.

Gibson picked the ball up in midfield, playing it out wide to Valencia who in-turn set Berbatov breaking free in the area. He calmly pulled it back to Anderson - side-footing into the back of the net - and tearing Schalke apart in the process. The Red Army could really celebrate their destiny now !

Darren Fletcher and Michael Owen were both given late run-arounds, as United sealed their third Champions League Final appearance in four seasons. The opponents aren't that good... only the best Barcelona side in Spanish club's history. Matt Busby won United's first European Cup in Wembley back in 1968, while Johan Cruyff claimed Barca's first European Cup in Wembley in 1992. This time around, it's Wembley in 2011.

 
Barcelona v Manchester United - Saturday, 28th May 2011
You couldn't pray for a better match-up !

United Team: Edwin Van Der Sar, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, John O'Shea, Rafael Da Silva (Patrice Evra '60), Oliveira Anderson, Paul Scholes (Darren Fletcher '73), Antonio Valencia, Luis Nani, Darron Gibson, Dimitar Berbatov (Michael Owen '77).

Goals: Valencia '26, Gibson '31, Valencia '72 & '76
Bookings: Gibson '37, Scholes '38, Anderson 42

• Video Highlights: United 4-1 Schalke 04 (AGG: 6-1)