Manchester United put on a professional performance to beat Charlton Athletic 2-0 away at The Valley.

United were without the duties of Paul Scholes (hernia), Kleberson (dislocated shoulder), Wes Brown (ankle), Ole Gunner Solskjaer (knee), John O’Shea (knee) and Mikael Silvestre (knee).

So Phil Neville started at left back, Ronaldo started on the right, and Quinton Fortune started on the left with Ryan Giggs just behind Ruud van Nistelrooy. Nicky Butt, making his 200^th league start for United, passed a late medical and played in midfield.

The Addicks gave full debuts to The Italian Magician Paulo di Canio and on-loan defender from Spurs Chris Perry. But they were without Mark Fish, who served a 1 game ban.

The game started quite lively. Referee Mike Riley cautioned Jason Euell after 1minute for colliding with Tim Howard after he collected a loose ball, and Ronaldo was causing all sorts of problems down the flank.

Jason Euell, Claus Jensen and Paulo di Canio produced a bit of magic minutes later; but failed to make something out of it.

Ryan Giggs, who played for Wales in midweek, had a promising shot blocked by Jonathan Fortune on the 33^rd minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo was causing Graham Stuart all sorts of problems down the flank, so he kicked out at the Portuguese wonder kid and United were awarded a free kick. Ronaldo took the free kick, but it was comfortably saved by Dean Kiely.

Half Time – Charlton Athletic 0 – Manchester United 0

No half-time changes by either team.

Ten minutes after the interval, Jason Euell tried to chip the impressive Tim Howard, but failed.

Skipper Roy Keane was substituted by Ole Gunner Solskjaer just before the half hour mark. Keane suffered an ankle injury and is doubtful for next week's Champions' League game.

About eighteen minutes after the interval, United were awarded a free kick when Ruud van Nistelrooy was brought down by debutant Chris Perry. Ryan Giggs’s free kick hit Gary Neville but Neville’s follow-up was blocked by Nicky Butt. Butt’s shot hit a defender but Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy was there to drill home the opener. 1-0 United.

Five minutes after the half hour mark, Jason Euell was sent off after receiving another yellow card.

The reigning Premiership champions killed off the game on the 80^th minute after van Nistelrooy connected with a Ryan Giggs freekick.

Discuss United's win on the ManUtdWeb Message Board

Another impressive performance from the young Portuguese wonder kid.

He certainty proved he's worth the £12million Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out on him in the summer.

He caused havoc all afternoon and in total won 7 freekicks for United.

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