Ruud van Nistelrooy's stunning hat-trick smashed Manchester United to within three points of their eighth Premiership title this afternoon.

It was the third treble of an incredible season which has now brought the flying Dutchman 43 goals and looks like ending with his first championship medal since Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out probably the best £18.5million he will ever spend to capture him from PSV Eindhoven.

The opening strike of his three-goal match-winning salvo was a moment of pure genius as he latched onto Mikael Silvestre's knock-down from David Beckham's corner with his back to goal, then swivelled as he sent an unstoppable volley into the net.

Amazingly, it was the first time United had scored from a corner this season. Of less surprise was that van Nistelrooy was netting for the ninth successive game, equalling the club record he set during his first prolific season.

Any hopes Charlton had that van Nistelrooy would settle for a single strike to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club were quickly dispelled as he turned into space to receive Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's flick-on and then lobbed Kiely with a perfectly-weighted effort which dropped neatly into the net.

If that was all about finesse, the next was pure power as he raced onto Beckham's long pass and took one touch before smashing his shot past Kiely.

It was all too much for Charlton and also allows Sir Alex Ferguson to celebrate his grandson's birthday in the knowledge that even if Arsenal beat Leeds while he tucks into jelly and trifle tomorrow, then win against Southampton on Wednesday and Sunderland on May 11, a last-day triumph at Everton will return the Premier League trophy to the place where it has spent most of its life. Even a draw at Everton might be enough depending on goal difference.

As is United's way, the win did not come without a fright or two and the 20 minutes between Charlton's equaliser and van Nistelrooy's first probably saw Ferguson ponder his summer goalkeeping options.

Fabien Barthez's departure was almost certainly confirmed when he was axed against Tottenham last week, even if he was back on the bench today and Roy Carroll had spoken of his belief that he could take on the role full time.

His confidence is pretty misplaced judged on the blunder which gifted Claus Jensen his goal just two minutes after Beckham had eased home nerves by putting United in front.

The Northern Ireland international was justified in his complaint that Roy Keane had left him with plenty to do after underhitting a back pass but still Carroll should have done better than scuff his clearance straight to the impressive Jensen, who fired an excellent shot into the net which the keeper was still scrambling back to try and defend.

With Scott Parker justifying his glowing reputation, there were times when Charlton looked like doing Arsenal a massive favour, only for a lack of confidence in front of goal.

It is a problem which van Nistelrooy obviously does not suffer from and whatever the eventual outcome of the title race, another three at Goodison would see him equal legendary Denis Law's club record mark for goals in a season.

However, if the Dutchman was again the man who gave an opposing defence a nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams, he had plenty of willing helpers.

Ryan Giggs tortured the Charlton backline with the kind of mazy runs which characterised the early stages of his career and on the right flank, Beckham, making his final United appearance at Old Trafford if the rumours are to be believed, turned the visiting defence around on countless occasions with his trademark telling passes, as well as coming inside to cause even more problems.

His opening goal did have more than its fair share of good fortune as Chris Powell's despairing attempt to block the England skipper's left-foot shot only succeeded in sending it looping over Kiely.

Any title-winning manager will tell you though it is just the type of luck a team needs if they are to emerge on top after a punishing 38-game season, which, as they prepare for their must-win battle with Leeds tomorrow, will come as no consolation to Arsenal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Keane in particular were unfortunate not to get their names onto the scoresheet after van Nistelrooy had done his damage but that will only come back to haunt the home side if their title destiny is decided on goals scored.

That scenario looks unlikely now, even if Ferguson prevented his players from embarking on their traditional lap of honour at the final home game for fear of celebrating too quickly.

Instead, the Red Devils will acknowledge the small band of supporters who make the short trip to Merseyside next week. In all probability, they will be accompanied by the gleaming piece of silver which will signal the greatest achievement of Ferguson's 16-year reign.

Teams:

Man Utd: Carroll, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Beckham, Keane, Scholes (Veron 69), Giggs (Butt 77), van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer (Forlan 77).

Subs Not Used: Barthez, Phil Neville.

Goals: Beckham 11, van Nistelrooy 32, 37, 53.

Charlton: Kiely, Kishishev (Sankofa 73), Young, Fortune, Powell, Lisbie (Johansson 84), Jensen, Parker, Konchesky, Bartlett, Euell (Bart-Williams 78).

Subs Not Used: Rachubka, Stuart.

Booked: Fortune.

Goals: Jensen 13.

Att: 67,721

Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).