Everton set up all Blue final

United had fielded a team of youngsters, but held their own during 120 goalless minutes.

In the end, though, it was the experience of Howard which came through in the shoot-out, saving from Dimitar Berbatov and United captain Rio Ferdinand.

Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck made their first appearances since the Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham in the same stadium seven weeks ago, while Rafael da Silva and Anderson were also included in what must have been one of the youngest starting line-ups United have ever selected.

Everton had a first-half penalty claim waved away by referee Mike Riley, whose appointment as replacement for Steve Bennett did not meet with the approval of Everton boss David Moyes. However, it was difficult to argue conclusively Rafael had fouled Steven Pienaar.

In sporadic bursts, United were at their free-flowing best. Yet Federico Macheda, who started brightly, and Welbeck were both guilty of rushing passes or shots.

The nearest Ferguson's team came was when Joleon Lescott deflected a Welbeck shot wide, Rafael supplying the cross.

After the interval, United were the better team. Park Ji-sung sent one shot skimming wide before Gibson tried his luck from long range with a dipping shot Howard saved without being able to hold.

The introduction of Berbatov at the start of extra-time, following the earlier arrivals of Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, gave United a more recognisable look, although it was Tim Cahill who nearly broke the deadlock, Ben Foster making a fine feet-first save.

In truth though, a goal never looked like coming. And finally United saw their shoot-out luck run out, leaving Howard, Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright to celebrate a day they have waited for so long to enjoy.