Paul Scholes scored a sensational long-range winner - the only goal of this two-legged tie - to see off Barcelona and set up the first ever all-English Champions League final.

The former England midfielder produced a devastating finish after 14 minutes, curling a shot past Victor Valdes from fully 25 yards to keep the Old Trafford side on course for a notable double of Premier League and Champions League. United will meet the winner of tomorrow night's Chelsea and Liverpool semi-final in the European showpiece final in Moscow on May 21.

United must have been concerned before kick-off going into this game without two of the players who would be automatic first choices for Sir Alex Ferguson. Nemanja Vidic was still concussed after having to leave the field early in the Premier League match with Chelsea on Saturday and Wayne Rooney, who was also hurt in that game, had not recovered from a hip problem. That led to Owen Hargreaves switching to right back, Wes Brown, who was outstanding, partnering Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence and Carlos Tevez alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Barcelona started confidently and United had an escape in the very first minute as Lionel Messi tricked his way past Paul Scholes on the right-hand edge of the penalty only to be scythed down in typically-uncompromising style by the ginger-haired midfielder. Referee Herbert Fandel – rightly – awarded a free-kick not a penalty, but it was only a matter of inches.

Edwin van der Sar, whose poor kicking had put his side in trouble at the Nou Camp last week, was at it again on seven minutes. Eto'o made ground down to the right-hand byline but his dangerous cross was cut out by Scholes at full stretch.

Eric Abidal tried a hopeful left-footed effort from way out on the touchline which caused the Dutch international goalkeeper some difficulty as it dropped just over the crossbar, before United took the lead with a goal of stunning quality.

Ronaldo's ball into the centre was cut out by Zambrotta, but the Italy full back played a woefully misplaced pass straight to Scholes, who let fly with a magnificently-struck right-foot shot that curled away from Valdez and into the top corner.

No Englishman has scored more Champions League goals than Scholes and no one more deserving of a winner's medal, the midfielder having missed out through suspension when United beat Bayern Munich nine years ago.

Valdez then spilled Nani's free-kick but the ball was scrambled to safety and then Messi, at his majestic best, cut inside Brown only to see his left-footed effort palmed away by van der Sar at full stretch.

The game ebbed and flowed from end to end and Ronaldo's unselfish square ball found Park Ji Sung, who sidefooted just wide from the edge of the area.

Carlos Tevez then caused Valdes some problems with a deep cross that the goalkeeper was only able to help on to the head of Ronaldo, but again the La Liga side were somehow able to clear the danger.

Deco had two shots in as many minutes just miss the target, one too high, the other wide, before a groggy van der Sar needed treatment on a head injury having been caught by Wes Brown, his own player.

Nani headed just off target at one end, while at the other, Xavi's free-kick was just over the head of the unmarked Gabriel Milito.

Zambrotta and Deco were both cautioned in the early stages on the second half, which although not as entertaining continued to thrill because of the knowledge that one goal from Barcelona would take the visitors through on the away goals rule.

Tevez forced a one-handed save from Valdes and Nani blasted over after a wonderful mazy run. United were happy to try and keep their opponents at arm's length - a dangerous ploy, particularly when their own nemesis, Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal striker, came on in place of Carlos Iniesta on the hour.

Deco saw a deflected shot go just past the post and Henry should have done better 12 minutes from time when presented with a free header from a left-wing corner.

Barcelona played some lovely flowing football at times, but much like Arsenal, all their best work was in front of the back four and not unduly troubling. Just like Arsene Wenger's majestic side, their season was destined to end up trophyless.

Henry looked purposeful and another late shot caused some consternation in the crowd until they realised it was straight at the goalkeeper.

United held out comfortably enough, in fact their only real cause for concern in the closing stages was the sight of Patrice Evra being carried off on a stretcher in, appropriately enough, injury time.