By Chris O'Brien
November 20 2005

Overshadowed by Roy Keane's shock departure, MUFC took themselves to fourth in the Premiership table with a 3-1 victory against Charlton Athletic. Alan Smith's first-half strike and a brace from Ruud Van Nistelrooy proved enough for the Red Devils to bring all three points home from The Valley.

Roy Keane would not have been fit for United's visit to South-East London, yet a sombre mood could be sensed from the travelling fans in what could well be the end of an unforgettable era as a Manchester United supporter. Nevertheless there was plenty of noise from the Red Army as United continued their impressive record against Alan Curbishley's Charlton Athletic with a crucial 3-1 win.

Stand-in captain Ruud Van Nistelrooy snatched the headlines as the post-Keane era began. The Dutchman netted twice, including a glorious opener, as Sir Alex Ferguson's men ground down some stubborn Charlton resistance to secure a victory that lifts United to fourth in the Premiership table.

Alan Smith, desperate to be the full-time replacement for Keane, was on top form throughout and broke the deadlock on 37 minutes. The England international hit a low drive just inside the penalty area to beat Stephan Andersen outstretched hand. Chants of 'Keano' faded and the former Leeds star heard his name echoing from the Jimmy Seed Stand. Could he be fill the Irishman's boots or is Michael Ballack the man to take the place of United's departed talisman?

Smith's opener was no more than United deserved after dominating the first-half. An explosive start saw Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo both go close whilst Van Nistelrooy, awesome throughout, had a shot cleared off the line by Hermann Hreidarsson. The Red Devils put behind them their mixed form and looked a team ready to cement their position amongst the Champions League places.

The hosts finally settled as the second-half got underway and began to enjoy some pressure. Edwin Van Der Sar denied Dennis Rommedahl but United still looked dangerous with Rooney firing wide as the hour mark approached.

Parity was restored on 68 minutes as Darren Ambrose took advantage of Charlton's good start to the second-half. Darren Bent picked out Ambrose who sent a superb long-range effort past the United 'keeper. Joy from the home fans who have not enjoyed games against United in recent seasons. Fergie's men would have to do it all again with time running out.

Down the years, United could rely on the captain's influence of Roy Keane to inspire them through such situations. It was Van Nistelrooy's turn to put in a captain's performance and the prolific striker took it upon himself to snatch the victory for United. His first, five minutes after Ambrose's strike, was a fantastic move. He hit a powerful drive on the spin after great work from Rooney - a rare Ruud goal coming from outside the penalty-area. His second ended the game as a contest only five minutes from time, brushing off the challenge of Luke Young to nestle home a low shot.

This was a much-needed win for United ahead of Tuesday's crucial European Cup clash against Villarreal. Keane's exit will undoubtedly leave a huge void in midfield, but there was no dwelling on the shock news from the team and they were on superb form in the capital to sweep aside Charlton.

Full Time - Charlton Athletic 1-3 Manchester United
Attendance - 26,730

Charlton Athletic: Andersen, Young, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Powell, Rommedahl (Thomas 63), Murphy, Kishishev (Bothroyd 77), Smertin, Ambrose, Bent.
Substitutes Not Used: Perry, Hughes, Myhre.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre, Fletcher (Bardsley 89), Smith, Scholes, Ronaldo (Park 75), Rooney, van Nistelrooy (Richardson 85).
Substitutes Not Used: Howard, Rossi.