Goalkeeper Ben Foster was thankful to Sir Alex Ferguson for giving him the chance to become United's Wembley hero.

The England international, making just his seventh club appearance, made a vital save from Tottenham's Aaron Lennon in normal time before saving Jamie O'Hara's effort in the trophy-clinching penalty shootout.

"The Gaffer's been very brave today," Foster told MUTV. "He could've just put the usuals in and it could have been a bit easier for us, but he's kept faith with the young lads all the way through.

"I thought it went well considering I haven't played many games this season. I always go out there and try to be confident with the things I feel I'm best at. I've got to say a massive thanks to him and thankfully we've won the trophy for him as well."

Foster was in modest mood after his role in the Reds' shootout triumph, preferring to salute the unwavering nerve of Messrs Giggs, Tevez, Ronaldo and Anderson, who all successfully converted their kicks in a 4-1 win.

"As a goalkeeper there's not too much pressure, to be honest with you," he said. "You've got to stand there and hopefully guess the right way, so it's win-win really.

"The pressure's on the lads out there. Our lads were fantastic with their penalties, they put them away with conviction and never looked like missing them."

United edged a tense Carling Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, winning a second major trophy of the season after a penalty shootout at Wembley.

Ben Foster saved superbly from Jamie O'Hara and David Bentley missed the target altogether, allowing Anderson to score the winning penalty after Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo had all successfully converted.

It was no more than United deserved for bossing much of the match itself. Ronaldo came closest to winning the cup in normal time, but his powerful effort was denied by the post in the dying seconds of a close-fought final.

True to his word, Sir Alex kept faith with the players who had taken the Reds to Wembley. With the exception of Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand, every member of the starting XI had started at least one match earlier in the competition.

Ronaldo had Heurelho Gomes worried twice inside the opening six minutes, firstly with a 25-yard free-kick which fizzed over, then with a half-hit shot on target after good build-up play from Nani and Tevez.

United's crisp passing and non-stop movement had Tottenham chasing shadows during the opening exchanges. Gibson was inches away from netting a 25-yard scorcher, only for his effort to fade just past Gomes' top corner with the Brazilian beaten.

Moments later the Brazilian clawed Nani's low shot round the post as United's pressure continued, only for Spurs to almost snatch the lead on 17 minutes. Lennon broke free of Evra's attentions and bypassed Foster with his pull-back, but Rio Ferdinand was alert to the threat of Roman Pavlyuchenko and pipped the Russian to the loose ball.

So infrequent were Spurs' forays forward, that the skipper's next contribution came at the other end. Spurs made a hash of clearing a Nani cross, and Ferdinand took a touch before sending a 25-yard volley onto the roof of Gomes' net.

From then, the Londoners increasingly got to grips with United's one-touch approach, and Lennon was at the heart of all their attacking penetration. Evans had to be alert to stop another pull-back from the former Leeds man, before Pavlyuchenko headed over from a left-wing Lennon cross.

By the time the interval came, Tottenham were far more worthy of parity, having been under the cosh for much of the opening period. United could - and should - have forged ahead within three minutes of the restart. Ronaldo, played through by O'Shea, opted to pass rather than shoot from a tight-ish angle, allowing Spurs to survive.

Harry Redknapp's side were handed another let-off on the hour-mark. A Gibson corner was half-cleared as far as Evans, whose mis-hit shot was off target, but ended up only fractionally wide after Tevez's clever flick deviated it goalwards.

Lady Luck then quickly flipped sides, back and forth. John O'Shea was a touch fortunate to pick up one yellow card rather than two, but Ronaldo was then harshly booked for diving when Spurs skipper King had caught him just inside the area.

That misfortune was almost compounded with 20 minutes remaining as Foster thwarted Lennon after the clearest opening of the match. The winger was found in acres of space inside the area, but Foster displayed brilliant reactions to turn away Lennon's stinging shot.

Substitute Anderson, on for Danny Welbeck, then stung Gomes' palms with a curling effort from just outside the area, before Nemanja Vidic was introduced in place of the now-limping O'Shea.

The nip-and-tuck nature of the match continued with few clear openings until, less than 30 seconds from time, Ronaldo cut in from the right and smashed a left-footed effort which rebounded off the inside of Gomes' post and away to safety.

That was the final opportunity in normal time, and the first opening of extra time also came United's way, as Tevez drifted a header wide from Evra's left-wing cross. Darren Bent then forced Foster to save smartly with his legs at the near post in the second period, but Evra almost won it with a minute remaining with a stinging half-volley which only fractionally flew over.

It was no surprise, however, when penalties were required to determine a winner. United prevailed emphatically to secure a second trophy of the season, with another three still very much in the Reds' sights.

Dimitar Berbatov is out to win the Champions League, saying it was a key reason behind his Manchester United move.

Sir Alex Ferguson's charges play Joe Mourinho's Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday, a game that has already been surrounded by a healthy war of footballing words.

Whilst admitting that Inter - currently flying high at the top of Serie A, will provide the Red Devils with a stern test - Berbatov is out to get his hands on the trophy that United claimed last season when they beat Chelsea in Moscow.

"I came here to win the Champions League," Berbatov told The Manchester Evening News

"Manchester United are capable of winning it again. We have the team and the players."

"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday," the Bulgaria international added.

"But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."

Fabio Da Silva is on standby to take a place in the United defence if Sir Alex Ferguson ends up not being able to call on John O'Shea and Jonny Evans to face Inter.

Ferguson is hopeful O'Shea will recover from a heel injury in time to face Mourinho's men but Evans was unable to train at the San Siro on Monday evening after limping out of Saturday's win over Blackburn with an ankle injury.

As United take on Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in the Champions League, we give you the lowdown on the latest instalment of Sir Alex v the Special One...

It had to be Jose. No-one of a Red persuasion will quickly forget their first Mourinho moment, the Portuguese flapping like a big grey bird up the Old Trafford touchline as Porto knocked us out on the way to taking the Champions League in 2004. Now, after two Premier League titles for Chelsea followed by two for United, battle lines are to be drawn again, this time as the Reds take on the leaders of Serie A.

Reaction to the draw
As usual the gaffer had his own individual take on matters at UEFA HQ, preferring to concentrate less on the Italian qualities of Inter and more on their imported stars.

“They have a lot of experience in their team, including quite a few South Americans,” Sir Alex said. “In fact I think they have only got two Italians in their team. That in itself represents a tough challenge because you know South American players are always very tough and resilient defensively.”

Mind games about Inter’s attacking ambitions? Possibly, but Mourinho was bullish before and after the balls were drawn (though Inter directors and some supporters seemed less content). He'd asgood as called for a tie against United, saying: “Our group was too easy, so we lost concentration. We deserve to draw the very best and I hope that we will.”

And, given his wish, his reaction to the draw was equally ebullient: “I didn’t say I was happy to face them (United) because it would be easy or I’m certain of winning. I’m not a complete idiot. It will make my job a lot easier, though. There’ll be no need to motivate the players or fans.” The Italian media was cautiously optimistic, the Gazzetto dello Sport reasoning that you need to beat the best to win the competition, so no time is like the present.

Talking tactics
Those who managed to stay awake during the 2007 FA Cup final will hope the two-legged nature of this encounter encourages a more progressive approach from Mourinho, but don’t hold your breath – Inter’s new nickname in Italy is “the tank”.

As at Chelsea, Jose implemented a 4-3-3 when he first arrived in Milan, but the failures of summer signings Quaresma and Mancini forced him into a reshuffle to 4-4-2. The manager refused to be drawn on this tie, but hinted that he might return to narrow ways: “I can't say how I’ll play against United, but to control their wide men and maintain balance it is important to have the 4-3-3 up our sleeves.”

The Nerazzuri are well known for their physicality and effectiveness from set plays, so United should avoid giving away free kicks in the final third if possible.

Record against Inter... and other Italian outfits
United have played only two competitive games against Inter, in the quarter-final in 1999, but that heroic draw in the second leg was the only time the Reds have left the San Siro positively in five attempts. Indeed, our European campaigns in 1958, 1969, 2005 and 2007 were all ended (or in 1969’s case irretrievably holed) at the San Siro by Inter’s neighbours Milan, so there is certainly a ‘bogey ground’ element to this tie.

At home, by contrast, United have a fine record against the Milanese and Italian sides in general. Against Inter it’s played one, won one – the game, you may recall, being the much-hyped ‘rematch’ between Diego Simeone and David Beckham following the latter’s sending off in St Etienne at France 98.

In total the Reds have won 11, drawn two and lost only two against Italians at Old Trafford, and with a record unbeaten European run at home to protect, will be confident, barring a shocker in Milan, of progressing to the next round.

John O’Shea and Jonny Evans face late fitness tests ahead of United’s Champions League last 16 tie against Inter Milan on Tuesday.

O’Shea (heel) seems the likelier of the two to make the match, while and Evans (ankle) is a major doubt for the match. If neither were passed fit, Sir Alex would be left with only four fit defenders; two of them, Fabio and Richard Eckersley, still only teenagers and yet to appear in the Champions League.

Darren Fletcher could be asked to play at right-back alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the other defenders in an otherwise fully fit squad.

“We won’t know until Tuesday on the fitness of O’Shea and Evans,” Sir Alex said at his San Siro press conference before the team trained on the pitch. “O’Shea is doing a light session on his own, but Jonny is unable to train.

"If neither of them make it then it will be time to panic. They are both big concerns for me but we have to accept that one or both might be missing and get on with it."

It’s a testing scenario, but Sir Alex feels that the occasion will help lift his players. “The challenge of playing in this stadium in front of a big crowd will help my players,” he said. "We have come a long way since a couple of years ago [when the Reds lost to AC Milan].

Dimitar Berbatov is confident of fulfilling his dream of winning the Champions League, despite United being up against one of the best teams in the competition.

The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.

Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.

"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.

"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."

Sir Alex Ferguson fully expects his players to rise to the challenge in front of them at the San Siro, believing Tuesday night's result will be key to the overall outcome of the tie.

While a patched-up Reds defence will be doing their utmost to keep Ibrahimovic and co. quiet, the United boss believes it's vital his side make the most of any opportunities that come their way in the attacking third. Top of the priority list is an away goal.

"You're always intent in Europe to get that goal," he explained at his pre-match press conference. "That means something really big when you get back to your own ground.

"We still have the opportunity to take Inter back to Old Trafford with a good result. If we score an away goal it will give us a great chance."

After highlighting the importance of putting the ball in the net at one end, Sir Alex remained mindful of the need to limit the threat posed by Inter's main man at the other.

"Without question, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is their star player," he insisted. "I have watched him for many years now. He has developed and is at an age now where you expect a bit of maturity and that's what we're seeing. He is getting all the praise he deserves. I just hope my players have a better night than Inter's!"

Inter boss Jose Mourinho is predicting a cagey encounter and reckons the Reds will play it safe during the 90 minutes. Sir Alex has other ideas.

"I'm sure Jose has seen us enough to know that we very seldom go into a game not trying to win," insisted the United boss. "At this moment in time you cannot split the teams.

"Inter have won Serie A three times in a row and are going to win it for a fourth time. They have great experience, an outstanding manager and some terrific players. So it's a really big game all round.

"My team are mature enough to go and play on Tuesday night and hopefully we can express ourselves the way we normally do when we have the ball."

Do you still keep a close eye on how United are doing?
Oh yes, I've been a United fan all my life and always will be. I've still got friends in the team who I played with at Old Trafford and still play with for England. So I always follow how they're doing.

United are well placed in four competitions... how far do you think they can go this season?
I really hope they'll win every one of them. It would be amazing if they could. It was a fantastic achievement when we won the Treble in '99 and for them to be involved in four competitions this season is brilliant - as a player there's nothing better than that. Hopefully they can do it.

Is this as good a squad since the Treble team?
Yes definitely. It's so strong all the way through from the goalkeeper to the strikers. It's an amazing squad of players and I'm sure they'll go on to achieve great things.

Chester-born goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been decorated at youth and Reserve level for United, but is yet to make his first team bow.

An excellent shot stopper and always in full command of his penalty area, Tom is a reliable solid goalkeeper who has always shown great promise.

Heaton is also an excellent outfield player, having played as a goalkeeper and midfielder during his time at Wrexham before signing professionally at Old Trafford on 8 July 2002. Tom quickly set about ascending through the club's ranks - notching 22 appearances for Francisco Filho's Under-17s side as they came second in their league.

Tom's debut season was capped by an FA Youth Cup winner's medal, although he was an unused substitute throughout the entire campaign with Luke Steele preferred in goal.

The 2003/04 season brought a similar climax, with Heaton on the bench as United romped to the Manchester Senior Cup final against Manchester City. Although he didn't appear in the win at Old Trafford, Tom had still made great progress throughout the season, notching 14 Under-19s appearances and eight Reserve starts.

Heaton stepped off the periphery of the second string during the 2004/05 season, however, and was first choice goalkeeper as Ricky Sbragia's side won the Quadruple. The demands of two leagues, two cup competitions and a play-off were huge, and Heaton made 36 appearances as United clinched everything except the Manchester Senior Cup.

The 2005/06 season saw Tom's progress somewhat impeded as loan spells at Swindon and Antwerp failed to yield the desired amount of action, and the 2006/07 campaign saw him back as the Reserves' first choice goalkeeper.

Heaton continued to perform solidly throughout the season as Brian McClair and Jim Ryan's side narrowly missed out on a third successive FAPRL North title and were beaten in the final of the Manchester Senior Cup.

There was also the bonus of several unexpected brushes with first team involvement. Injuries to Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak saw Tom promoted to the senior substitute bench on eight occasions, although he was never called into action.

The position of young goalkeeper is one that requires much patience, a virtue that Heaton continues to display admirably.