Paul Scholes - Hero of Old Trafford

Paul Scholes` goal in the 14th minute was enough to see Manchetser United through to the final of the Champions League in Moscow.

But last night, as Rio Ferdinand's sheer resolve kept Lionel Messi and Barcelona's beautiful but toothless football at bay, there could be no better hero to end Sir Alex Ferguson's wait for another joust with glory. Scholes knows time is catching up with him at 33 but true class remains timeless and as he thundered the ball into the top corner of the Barcelona net to score the most important goal of his long career, it brought true joy to every corner of Old Trafford.

When it mattered, time and again, Ferdinand was there, sticking out a foot to block, encouraging and exhorting. There was an escape 12 minutes from time, as Henry found himself unmarked six yards out from Xavi's corner only to head straight at van der Sar, before drifting into space again to curl a shot into the keeper's hands.

But this time there was to be no late horror show, no nightmare end.

For United, the final place they deserve. For Scholes, the perfect way to set the record straight.