Ronaldo Shoots United Through

Cristiano Ronaldo was in sparkling form as Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League Final in Rome! Two goals, including another wonder-strike of a free-kick, secured the victory for United, and will see them face Barcelona or Chelsea on May 27th!

Arsenal attempted to crank up the atmosphere inside the Emirates by placing thousands of flags on seats around the stadium but two early blows from United ensured they were swiftly lowered.

United were desperate for the away goal that would leave Arsenal facing a mountainous task and they were gifted it via an error from Gibbs. He looked comfortably positioned to clear Ronaldo's routine cross but he slipped and Park was on hand to take advantage by sliding in to lift a finish over Almunia.

Arsenal's plight became virtually impossible three minutes later when another mistake, this time from Almunia, allowed United to double their advantage and leave the Gunners requiring four goals.

Fergie Backs Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson has come out in support of Cristiano Ronaldo. Whilst admitting that Ronny hadn't quite hit the heights of last season (when he knocked in 42 goals), Fergie insists he is still one of the very best in the World.

Ferguson said: 'What happens when a player scores 40-odd goals is that every opponent who plays against him the following season has to redefine his thinking how to stop him.

'I think it was impossible for him to reach last year's total again, particularly when we knew he would have that operation in the summer.

'It took him some time to get over that but his rythmn's back and this boy is fantastic. There's no other word to describe him.

'He is always a goal-threat. Every game he will have three or four good attempts - tell me any winger in the last 30 years who's done that.'

Ronaldo Benched at Boro

Cristiano Ronaldo was given the afternoon off on Saturday, with the Portuguese superstar saving him legs for Tuesday night. Ronny was on the bench just in case United didn't get a goal, but wasn't needed.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rested key players with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal in mind and, surprisingly, Middlesbrough rarely forced United to increase their tempo.

Boro, who remain second from bottom in the table, were bereft of ideas and relied on hopeful high balls into the area, which centre-backs Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans coped with admirably.

The home side did have one clear chance when Marlon King played in Aliadiere but Foster was alert to make the save.

At the other end, United's front pairing of Dimitar Berbatov and Federico Macheda were largely ineffective in a 4-4-2 formation.

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