Manchester United's Paul Scholes (right) fouls Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the early stages of the match during their Champions League semi-final second leg match at Old Trafford yesterday. Scholes scored to give Manchester United a 1-0 win and a place in the final. - ap

manchester, england (ap)

Manchester United reached the Champions League final yesterday, beating FC Barcelona 1-0 behind Paul Scholes' goal to set up an all-English final.

Scholes' 25-metre strike in the 14th minute at Old Trafford sent the Red Devils to the May 21 final in Moscow after having drawn 0-0 at Barcelona in last week's first leg of the semi-finals.

United will face either Chelsea or Liverpool in the title match. The two face off in the second leg of their semi-final today at Stamford Bridge in London having drawn the first leg 1-1.

The victory puts United into the title match for the third time, and gives Scholes another chance at one, having been suspended when they beat Bayern Munich in the 1999 championship.

It also will give Man United manager Alex Ferguson an opportunity for a second European crown.

Having won nine Premier League and five FA Cup titles since arriving at Old Trafford in 1986, Ferguson frequently has expressed frustration at an inability to win the European Champions Cup more often.

''Well, we're there and the important thing is they we are there and it doesn't matter who we play,'' Ferguson said. ''That will look after itself when it comes around.

''We needed a fantastic performance tonight and I think we got one. With our play at times up front we could have scored three or four goals.''

The loss added to Barcelona's disappointment this season, having already been eliminated from the Spanish championship.

Coach Frank Rijkaard didn't think it was time to step down, however.

''No. That thought has not entered my head,'' he said. I have no intention of leaving."