FA CUP SEMI FINAL SUNDAY 31st MARCH

Both sides hit the woodwork early on, Beckham hitting the post for United, soon followed by Duberry lashing a shot against the bar with Schmeichel beaten in the United goal.

Controversy once again follows Roy Keane however with most pundits believing the Irishman, sent off for the Republic Of Ireland in midweek, should have been red carded for an incident just 10 yards away from the referee.

Chelsea must be disappointed with the result but should take pride in a performance which was far superior than anyone but the most die-hard supporter could have expected.

Manager Alex Ferguson, who has never lost a semi-final with United, noticeably singled out skipper Eric Cantona as the final whistle blew for extra celebration, the Frenchman having put in another virtuoso performance, even clearing a Spencer shot off the line as United desparately defended their slender lead in a pulsating second half.

Manchester United : Schmeichel, May, G Neville, P Neville, Sharpe, Keane, Cantona, Butt, Beckham, Cole, Giggs.

Chelsea : Hitchcock, Clarke (Johnsen 39), Burley, Gullit, Myers, Lee (Furlong 87), Spencer, Hughes, Phelan (Peacock 65), Duberry, Wise.