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LONDON - Manchester United booked their place in the first FA Cup final at the rebuilt Wembley Stadium when they beat Watford 4-1 in an entertaining semi-final at Villa Park today.
Two goals from Wayne Rooney and one each for Cristiano Ronaldo and Kieran Richardson secured United's path into the May 19 final, the first at Wembley since 2000, when they will face either Chelsea or Blackburn Rovers, who meet at Old Trafford on Monday (NZ time).
Rooney put United ahead with a well-taken shot after seven minutes before Hameur Bouazza equalised for Watford in the 26th with a hooked volley that deflected past Edwin van der Sar.
Ronaldo put United back in front two minutes later with a close-range shot before Rooney made it 3-1 after 66 minutes with another close effort and substitute Richardson rounded off a somewhat flattering scoreline in the 82nd, five minutes after coming on.
United, who will be appearing in a record 18th final, have won the competition a record 11 times.
- REUTERS