VAN DER SAR: Sound goal-keeping. Vital stop from close-range hammer from Rommedahl when United briefly wobbled 7

BROWN: Strong in defence and provided back up thrust going forward for Fletcher 6

FERDINAND: Cool as a cucumber at times and a couple of row Z clearances as well 7

SILVESTRE: Was disturbingly turned a few times by Bent but 8fortunately wasn’t punished 6

O’SHEA: Never got exposed down his flank and joined United’s attacks with purpose 5

FLETCHER: Seemed to have trouble at times staying on his feet but didn’t stop him setting up the opener 5

SMITH: Was in thick of action in midfield against Danny Murphy threat and showed he’s lost none of his striking qualities 8

SCHOLES: Charlton always looked vulnerable when he was on the ball but didn’t cut out build up to equaliser 6

RONALDO: Was constantly surrounded by posse of markers but inevitably managed to escape their clutches. Quiet second half 7

ROONEY: Not up to level he showed for England against Argentina but he still hurt Charlton on numerous occasions 8

VAN NISTELROOY: Excellent captain’s performance. Led by example. Worked tirelessly and two brilliant strikes 9

Subs:

PARK (sub Ronaldo 75): Didn’t get into late action 5

RICHARDSON (van Nistelrooy 85): No late impact 5

BARDSLEY (Fletcher 89): On too late for mark

Not used: Rossi, Howard

CHARLTON: Andersen, Young, Hreidarsson, Kishishev (Bothroyd 77,) Bent, Murphy, El Karkouri, Ambrose, Rommedahl (Thomas 63), Powell, Smertin

GOALS: Ambrose (65) for Charlton; Smith (37), van Nistelrooy (69, 85) for United

BOOKINGS: Brown (38), van Nistelrooy (69) for United

REFEREE: M Riley - No problems for him. 6