Cahill stepped up and missed Everton's first penalty, but Phil Jagielka scored the winning spot-kick and Tim Howard saved from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand as the Toffees beat United 4-2 on penalties after the game had ended 0-0 after 120 minutes.

It means Everton will face Chelsea at Wembley in the final next month. However, Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side had practised penalties as they reached the FA Cup final with victory in the shootout against Manchester United.

"We did (practice), we had a go but how can you practice really?," said Moyes.

"The goalkeeper made a couple of really good saves.

"We had a struggle to find five to take them. Jagielka was one of the ones who scored in training. We didn't have too many takers on the day."

The Red Devils had a good shout for a penalty when Danny Welbeck went down under close attention from Jagielka and Moyes admitted he had feared the worst.

"From where I was I thought it was," Moyes continued.

"I've not seen it but I thought that may be close."

Manchester United were missing the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick and Edwin van der Sar but Moyes insisted the young side gave his team a difficult challenge.

"It was a tough game for us," he added.

"If they put out their under-14s it would have a been a tough game - they are going after every trophy.

"For everyone at Everton is fantastic.

"If they keep doing what they are doing now it (success) will not be too far away."

Everton captain Phil Neville described his pride at the prospect at leading the Toffees out at Wembley next month.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "It's one of the proudest moments of my career - to lead the team out at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

"They say your next achievement is the best and that is certainly how it feels.

"We've beaten the best side in the world - it's just a really proud moment.

"We've done it the hard way."

Neville also claimed he was not surprised by United's depleted team, adding: "I wasn't surprised but having been at that club for so long they put trust in all those players.

"Whatever team they put out it is going to be quality."

The former Manchester United defender also praised Moyes, saying: "When you get to cup finals I think it is a reward for a lot of people.

"But the boss has stepped up to the mark.

"He wanted us to go out there and express ourselves.

"He gave us that confidence - now we need to go and win the cup final."

Berbatov's penalty, which was weakly chipped at Howard, handed the initiative back to Everton after Tim Cahill had missed the first spot-kick of the shootout.

Describing the penalty, the Bulgarian said: "I was looking for the goalkeeper but at the last minute he took the place I was going for."

Berbatov insisted United will bounce back from the disappointment when they meet Portsmouth in the Barclays Premier League on Wednesday.

He continued on Sky Sports: "The game with Portsmouth is very important. This loss is going to hurt us but it's all behind (us) and we're going to concentrate on the Champions League and Premier League.

"It's always difficult when you lose, especially when you miss a penalty and let your team down but you're professional and you have to go on."