Soccer: Two-goal Scholes is a ‘genius’, says Ferguson

Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 2

Scholes levelled Gareth Barry's first-half opener midway through the second period when he tapped home Ryan Giggs' cross and then won the tie four minutes later when he arrived in the box at the right time to rasp a half-volley past Thomas Sorensen.

Ferguson admitted the introduction of Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane was one of the major factors behind United's win but without Scholes it would not have been possible.