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Manchester United became kings of Europe for the third time after a 6-5 penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea on a night of high drama and emotion in Moscow.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was the hero with a penalty save to deny Nicolas Anelka after Chelsea captain John Terry had missed the chance to win the Blues the trophy by firing his own spot-kick against the post.

After a thrilling 90 minutes plus extra time finished 1-1, the dramatic shootout looked to be going Chelsea’s way after Petr Cech saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s effort but Terry’s miss opened the door for Sir Alex Ferguson to clinch his second Champions League crown.

It is 40 years since United first won the trophy with a team rebuilt by Sir Matt Busby from the survivors of that Munich disaster. Eight players lost their lives following the catastrophic events on a snow-filled German runway in February 1958.

A tense opening period was brought to life the moment Ronaldo headed United in front with his 42nd goal of a memorable season. Paul Scholes, who missed United’s last triumph through suspension in 1999, played a delightful interchange of passes with Wes Brown on the right flank.

His final return pass put Brown in the clear and the full-back’s left-foot cross found the waiting Ronaldo in space at the far post. The Portugal international planted a firm header into the corner of the net past a static Cech to give United first blood.

But the Blues began to grow in confidence as the first half approached its climax and in the 45th minute, Michael Essien’s attempted shot from 25-yards took two deflections on its way towards goal - the most telling off the back of United captain Rio Ferdinand. It changed the direction of the ball into the path of Lampard, who duly supplied the finish from six yards.

In the 77th minute, United had the woodwork to thank when Drogba sent a 20-yard shot against Van der Sar’s left-hand upright.

The game went into extra-time, and within three minutes of the restart, the woodwork came to United’s rescue for a second time. Lampard sent his shot crashing against the crossbar as United continued to ride their luck.

But Drogba was then sensationally sent off for slapping Nemanja Vidic as tempers flared on both sides. And the lottery of penalties ensured that United clinched the trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United’s future continues to be the subject of intense speculation after Spanish newspaper, Marca published news that he has communicated to Real that we would welcome a move to the Spanish giants.

The topic has visibly annoyed Red’s  boss Sir Alex Ferguson who said that anyone that asked him about the matter was an idiot after a Spanish reporter sought his reaction in Moscow.
According to the Madrid-based daily sports paper, Ronaldo has told Madrid, “yes, I want to” when asked whether he could be tempted to leave Old Trafford for the Bernabéu.
The report states that authorised club sources leaked the information and that president Ramon Calderon’s dream is moving to reality.
United are clearly unhappy with Madrid and their use of the media to try and unsettle Ronaldo and the latest twist could well see the English giants lodge an official complaint with Uefa and Fifa.
Calderon promised to sign Cesc Fabregas and Kaka in his pre-election manifesto two years ago along with Arjen Robben and the Dutchman is the only player he has been able to land.
With Fabregas and Kaka now out of reach, Los Merengues are continuing to try and persuade Ronaldo to join them, but appeared to be firing a blank on Ronaldo aswell. For the Spanish giants to lure Madrid would take a monster offer, as Cristiano is currently in only the second year of a 5 year old trafford deal, and any approach would defintely get short shrift from Fergie.
Under the previous president, Florentino Perez, Madrid managed to use the tactic of forcible negotiation to sign Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian striker Ronaldo after long and drawn-out transfer sagas and Calderon is hoping that he could achieve the same outcome, however during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure at Old Trafford he has never sold a player against his will, and why would he allow his club to be stripped of his crown jewels now?