Manchester United v Schalke - in pictures

This chap has gone all out to show the strength of his affiliation to Schalke. But even a fan as ardent as him must acknowledge the chance of Schalke scoring twice without reply at Old Trafford - which they must to level the aggregate scores - is nigh on impossible Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Schalke fans feel right at home as they eat sausages from The German Sausage Company trailer Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Manuel Neuer, whose efforts last week denied United a more emphatic first leg advantage, prepares before kick-off Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

An enthusiastic kid shakes Fergie's hand Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Ferguson said he suffered a sleepless night wondering whether to field a weakened side with United's Premier League match with Chelsea on Sunday in mind. His decision is visible as the teams line up: the likes of Chris Smalling, Rafael, Darron Gibson, John O'Shea and Antonia Valencia are all starting tonight. Yet there's no place for Michael Owen Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Perhaps more crucially, Ferguson has decided to rest Wayne Rooney ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

United's makeshift side looks more than capable of earning the required. Here, Nani takes on Uchida in the early exchanges Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The Portuguese sends Farfan and Papadopoulos the wrong way with some neat skills Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Anderson tangles with Howedes Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Antonio Valencia puts United in front in the 26th minute when Gibson's slide-rule pass provides the Ecuadorian with a one-on-one against Neuer Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Gibson then scores a goal of his own when Neuer fails to handle his shot and the ball loops into the net via the post Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Schalke are given cause for slender celebration before half-time when Juardo pounces on a loose ball and lashes it into the near corner of Edwin van der Sar's net Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

It matters little, though, as United remain in control in the second half. Anderson eventually makes it 3-1 on the night in the 72nd minute when he scrambles the ball home inside the penalty box Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Four minutes later, Anderson taps home his second and United's fourth to seal a 6-1 aggregate win Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Neuer slumps dejectedly after the fourth United goal – this is not quite the way he wanted his career at Schalke to end Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

At least someone's happy. A re-match with Barcelona at Wembley awaits Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian