VAN DER SAR: The Dutch international made a fine save when Ferdinand was put under pressure by Ballack in the first half, even if it was his failure to command his area that provided the opportunity. Slipped as Lampard made most of two deflections for equaliser. Saved Anelka's penalty to secure win. 8
BROWN: Has earned rave reviews for his defensive performances this season, but his cross for Ronaldo's goal was every bit as good as the Portuguese could have produced. Defensively he was as sound as ever, but Chelsea rarely threatened from the flanks - particularly the listless Malouda. 7
FERDINAND: Confusion with Van der Sar almost gifted Ballack a first-half goal, then inadvertently deflected into the path of Lampard for Chelsea to equalise just before the break. Found his feet in the second half as he dominated on the ground and in the air. 7
VIDIC: Overcame injury fears and looked comfortable with anything Chelsea sent up in the air. For all Chelsea's dominance in the second half, they created few genuine openings, which owed much to another assured display from the big Serbian. 8
EVRA: Always threatening going forward and, together with Ronaldo, caused Essien no end of trouble. Caused few problems by Joe Cole, who rarely looked to have the pace or trickery to get the better of the Frenchman. 7
HARGREAVES: Selected to combat Chelsea's considerable power in midfield, but the England international also provided an attacking option down the right. Tirelessly worked in defence and attack to more than justify his selection. After a patchy season, it was a performance that gave a tantalising glimpse of what United can expect in the future. 7

SCHOLES: The Ginger magician's goal booked United's place in Moscow and he was promised a starting berth long before they reached the final. Early clash of heads with Makelele threatened to make it a short night's work, then seemed to get bogged down with consistent gripes with the Frenchman. Passing as assured as ever. Faded after the break. 7
CARRICK: Forced an outstanding save from Cech, which would have put United well in control, but on second look, the midfielder might have picked his spot. Allowed United's midfield to dictate the game in the first half, but later required to do more defensively. 8

RONALDO: His fiercest critics still question whether he can produce on the biggest stage. But showed that he was up for the occasion when skipping past Essien early on. His headed goal was simply unstoppable and set United on their way, but rarely managed to repeat his first half-form after the break. His saved penalty looked to have cost Reds before John Terry's miss. 7

ROONEY: Once again showed his maturity by doing much of his good work deep, but twice opened up Chelsea in the first-half with crosses of the highest order. Struggled to make an impact in the second-half when forced to feed on scraps. 7

TEVEZ: Fergie showed his intent to go for it from the start by opting for the Argentine instead of Ji Sung Park. Was a real threat as Chelsea's defence struggled to contain, but twice failed to score from glorious opportunities in the first half. Became increasingly isolated after the break as United ran out of attacking ideas. 7
SUBSTITUTES

GIGGS: (for Scholes, 87) Broke Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record for United when coming on as a late substitute. Missed a glorious close-range chance with a left-foot prod in the first period of extra time after good work from Evra. Coolly converted his penalty when called on. 7
NANI: (for Rooney, 101) The Portuguese scored his vital penalty in the dramatic shoot-out. 7
ANDERSON: (for Brown, 120) Scored his penalty with his only touch of the game. 7
SIR ALEX FERGUSON: All his noises beforehand suggested he wasn't going to go like-for-like with Chelsea's powerhouses and proved that by naming an ambitious three-man attack. Paid dividends in the first half as United made all the running and created enough chances to kill the game. Like Grant, took time to make changes, bringing Giggs on at the death, but it might have proved inspired had the Welshman converted a golden opportunity in extra time. 8
Subs not used: Fletcher, Silvestre, O'Shea, Kuszcak

CHELSEA: Cech 8, Essien 7, Carvalho 7, Terry 7, Ashley Cole 7, Ballack 7, Makelele 7 (Belletti, 120), Lampard 8, Joe Cole 6 (Anelka 5, 99, Malouda 5 (Kalou 5, 90), Drogba 7. Subs not used: Shevchenko, Mikel, Alex, Cudicini.

AVRAM GRANT: Luck certainly wasn't on his side when first Drogba and then Lampard struck the woodwork in the second half and in extra time. 8

Attendance: 69,000

Bookings: United: Scholes (22), Ferdinand (43), Vidic (111), Tevez (116); Chelsea: Makelele (22), Carvalho (45), Ballack (116), Essien (117)

SENT OFF: Drogba (116)

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