Charlton Athletic have not beaten Manchester United in 11 matches in the last 14 years, but the Londoners must have felt they had a real chance of reversing that dismal record in the first half of this encounter at The Valley.
But their hopes of any glory were shattered in the second 45 minutes when two close-range goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy put United's season back on track after a defeat at Southampton on their last outing.
Charlton included Paolo di Canio for his first full appearance, but the Italian striker had a quiet game although he could have equalised with Charlton's best chance of the game after United goalkeeper Tim Howard dropped the ball and di Canio's close-range shot was deflected for a corner.
United were rock-solid at the back with John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand surprisingly taking their places in the visitors line-up despite fears about their fitness.
Charles Jason Euell was booked after 51 seconds for a foul on United keeper Howard and it was to prove a costly caution as the striker was sent off after 64 minutes for a second yellow card after a reckless late lunge at Gary Neville.
In a first half of few chances, Charlton matched their opponents, whose passing was not as crisp as usual.
But the visitors got on top after the break with the dangerous Cristiano Ronaldo causing the home side endless problems with his speedy runs.
United took the lead on 61 minutes slightly fortuitously. Ryan Giggs' free-kick was twice blocked before falling at van Nistelrooy's feet a few yards out and he buried the chance.
After Euell's sending-off and di Canio's missed chance, United made the game safe on 80 minutes when another Giggs cross found the unmarked van Nistelrooy, who scored from a couple of yards out.