Since the Football League began in 1888-89 there has never been a final between two clubs from outside the top division. Yesterday, though, Barnsley and Portsmouth had proved the romance of the Cup lives on.

“I’m over the moon, I can’t believe it,” Barnsley manager Simon Davey said after the win.

Portsmouth’s 1-0 win at United was no less of a shock given that the south coast side had not won at Old Trafford for 51 years.

“We rode our luck but United are a fantastic team and we deserved our luck,” said Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, who memorably led Bournemouth to victory over United in the 1984 competition.

Barnsley manager Simon Davey said it was a “dream” to be going to Wembley.

“I have never been there before and it is what dreams are made of. It has not sunk in.”

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said going to Wembley “will probably mean 10 times more than it does to United fans”. “When you keep winning every year like they do — which is fantastic — you maybe become a bit blase about things,” he said.

“But for our fans going to a semi-final at Wembley will be the greatest day out in years.”

Arsenal held by Wigan

Premier League leaders Arsenal suffered a comedown from their midweek Champions League win over AC Milan as they were held to a 0-0 draw at strugglers Wigan Athletic on Sunday. Arsenal found Wigan too resilient and had to settle for a point which put them two clear of second-placed Manchester United, but having played one match more.