Manchester, January 21:

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late penalty to secure Manchester United’s place in the English League Cup Final as they survived a late Derby rally to seal a 4-3 aggregate win at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

The 4-2 second leg victory was secured when Ronaldo netted from the spot after Carlos Tevez had been brough down by former United goalkeeper Roy Carroll in the closing stages.United’s uncharacteristically poor showing at Pride Park in the first-leg ensured the Championship strugglers arrived at Old Trafford with a 1-0 advantage courtesy of a Kris Commons wonder strike. Few gave Nigel Clough’s team any hope of holding onto that lead and booking a place at Wembley for the final on March 1.

The breakthrough goal came in the 16th minute when Nani levelled the aggregate scores with a stunning strike from 25 yards.

United went ahead six minutes later when John O’Shea scored from 12 yards.The inevitable third goal came in the 34th minute when Tevez headed in Rafael’s cross from six yards.

Tevez’s goal all but secured victory for United although late penalties converted by Derby’s Giles Barnes and Ronaldo, plus an injury-time free-kick by Barnes ensured a lively finale.