Road to Wembley - United march on

Our Road to Wembley side Man U crushed Arsenal, who were knocked out of three competitons in a wek.

Sir Alex starting line-up carried an unfamiliar look but his side performed in highly effective fashion, despite Arsenal enjoying a large share of possession in the first 45 minutes.

Brazilian brothers Rafael and Fabio were relieved of their familiar defensive duties and utilised wide on the flanks, a ploy that should have brought United an early lead. Fabio's cross from the left was an open invitation for Rafael to score but he headed wastefully over the top from close range.

Fabio did not make the same mistake when presented with the chance to give United a crucial advantage after 27 minutes. Rooney's delicate cross was met by Hernandez and when his header was pushed out by Manuel Almunia the youngster slid in to prod the rebound into the roof of the net.

Van Persie led the Arsenal response with a low angled effort that was turned around the post by Van der Sar, then heading just wide from the resulting corner.

There was a welcome sight for United and their supporters at the start of the second half as Antonio Valencia returned as a substitute for the first time since breaking his leg in the Champions League tie against Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford in September.

United keeper Van der Sar kept them on terms with an instinctive double save right after the break, twice denying Koscielny after he linked with Van Persie inside the area. The value of Van der Sar's saves was quickly illustrated as Rooney doubled United's lead shortly after.

Rafael was instrumental with a surge into the area and when another Hernandez effort was blocked Rooney pounced to head home.

Arsenal once again resumed territorial advantage but simply could not find a way past Van der Sar, who distinguished himself with further fine saves from substitute Chamakh's header and Rosicky's swerving 20-yard shot.

As Arsenal pushed forward in desperation, they inevitably left spaces at the back and United almost cashed in as Almunia clawed out a shot from Hernandez.

Defender Djourou was injured in the scramble and was stretchered off after lengthy treatment - during which he was given oxygen - that left eight minutes of stoppage time.

Manchester United substitute Paul Scholes enlivened proceedings with a needlessly hot-headed cameo that brought a yellow card and a separate rebuke from referee Chris Foy.

But nothing could take the gloss off United's win as they sealed their place in the last four of the FA Cup. They will play Manchester rivals City at Wembley, which will satisfy Man U's large Hertfordshire fan base on April 16th.