Premiership: Man Utd return to top of league

Full-time: Charlton 0, Manchester Utd 2

Two goals by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earned Manchester United maximum points at The Valley in their Premiership clash against Charlton Athletic.

Charlton made an impressive start with Kevin Lisbie’s pace proving an early menace.

The hosts’ initial enthusiasm may not have provided a direct threat to Carroll’s goal but it would have caused a few concerned looks from England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson as a Jason Euell challenge left David Beckham hobbling.

Beckham, who is set to lead his country in Wednesday’s friendly with Holland, ran off the knock.

Having offered little themselves in the final third of the field, United’s ability to strike from deep resulted in the first shot on goal.

Intricate midfield passing resulted in Roy Keane freeing Solskjaer, who turned to tee up Ryan Giggs, whose first-time effort flew wide.

Goalscorer Solskjaer twice went close to doubling the advantage in the opening minutes of the second period.

First, after seizing on Giggs’ clever pass, Kiely foiled him at his feet.

Then, when Keane cushioned Beckham’s deep cross into his path, the Norwegian flashed a volley the wrong side of Kiely’s left-hand upright.

Charlton’s best hope of a leveller appeared to be from the corners of Chris Bart-Williams and from one such flag-kick, the unmarked Euell nodded wide from another Fish flick-on.