Manchester United Thumps Arsenal, Advances to Champions League Final

Is it possible Sir Alex Ferguson pressed one of those annoying Staples buttons in the dressing room before Tuesday's UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal because, boy, that sure looked easy. Almost too easy, as the Red Devils strolled to a 3-1 win and 4-1 on aggregate and move onto the final in Rome with the chance to defend their trophy from last season.

It got started quick when Cristiano Ronaldo centered a ball to Ji-Sung Park, who capitalized on a slip by Kieran Gibbs, as the Korean international powered it past Manuel Almunia in the 11th minute.

Before Arsenal could even catch its breath, it was Ronaldo at the ready three minutes later. On the same day there were heavy rumors Manchester United would make a world-record transfer bid on Franck Ribery to possibly replace the Portuguese winger should the siren's song of Real Madrid prove too strong, Ronaldo showed why he is priceless to United. His picture-perfect dipping free kick all but ended the match with nearly 75 minutes still showing on the Emirates clock.

United capped the onslaught midway through the second half on another classy goal, this time a text book work of counter-attacking displayed by Ronadlo, Park and Wayne Rooney. Ronaldo started the movement in his own half and then finished it off with a powerful shot from up close on the other. Truly brilliant stuff for United.

Champions League Snapshots

Match referee Roberto Rosetti , left shows Manchester United's Darren Fletcher, right, the red card during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium in London, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Manchester United defeated Arsenal 3-1.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, left, scores his second goal of the game during the Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium in London, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/PA, David Davies) ** UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE **

Manchester United players celebrate after defeating Arsenal in their second leg Champions League semi-final soccer match at the Emirates stadium in London May 5, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN SPORT SOCCER)

Reuters

Manchester United's South Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung (R) tussles with Arsenal's Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue (L) during their UEFA Champions League semi final second leg football match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, North London, England, on May 5, 2009. Manchester United won 3-1. AFP PHOTO/CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Manchester United's South Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung (R) vies with Arsenal's Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue (L) during their UEFA Champions League semi final 2nd leg football match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, North London, England, on May 5, 2009. Titleholders Manchester United qualified for the European Champions League final, beating Arsenal 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final.AFP PHOTO/CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia shows his disappointment during their UEFA Champions League semi final 2nd leg football match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, North London, England, on May 5, 2009. Titleholders Manchester United qualified for the European Champions League final, beating Arsenal 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final. AFP PHOTO/CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Park Ji-Sung (C) of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Darren Fletcher during their Champions League second leg semi-final soccer match at the Emirates stadium in London May 5, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN SPORT SOCCER)

Reuters

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor, left vies for the ball with Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, right during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at the Emirates stadium in London, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Arsenal's Theo Walcott, right vies for the ball with Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at the Emirates stadium in London, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The only blemish for the Red Devils was that inside the final 10 minutes Darren Fletcher was sent off with a straight red card for apparently dragging down Cesc Fabregas in the box. Replays showed that the Scottish midfielder might have gotten a raw deal, as he first played the ball. Robin van Persie converted the ensuing penalty for Arsenal.

All in all, this was a complete dismantling of Arsenal by Manchester United. The Red Devils dictated the pace from the start and never allowed the Gunners any room to do anything on offense.

Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved just about everything with Manchester United, but winning back-to-back Champions Leagues would be the icing on the cake of a legendary career.