One steward was injured and two fans were arrested as the jubilation spilled over, leading to fears that Van Nistelrooy could be hit by an FA disciplinary charge.

The FA will look at the incident again today but, as referee Mike Riley booked Van Nistelrooy for his celebration and the Metropolitan Police have shown no inclination to take the matter further, the FA will almost certainly not get involved.

The news will be welcomed by United boss Alex Ferguson as he continues preparations for tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Villarreal, which he has described as the Red Devils’ most important European tie for years.

Should the Spanish side win, and Lille beat Benfica at the same time, United will be out, failing to progress beyond the group phase for the first time since 1994.

After picking up just five points from their opening four matches, even a win would leave Ferguson’s side needing to collect a draw from their final match against Benfica in Lisbon on December 7.

Although they do not have a particularly impressive record against Spanish opposition, and are still reeling from Friday’s abrupt departure of skipper Roy Keane, United will be favourites to gain a much-needed victory against a Villarreal side lacking former Old Trafford striker Diego Forlan and influential playmaker Juan Riquelme, who picked up a thigh injury in training yesterday.