Nantes had opened the scoring on 17 minutes through Frederic Da Rocha only for David Beckham to curl home a free-kick 90 seconds later.

Solskjaer then nodded home his 16th goal of the season on 31 minutes before Mikael Silvestre headed home United’s third seven minutes later.

Nantes were knocking the ball about with great confidence, like they had done in the Stade de la Beaujoire.

But for all their fine passing and moving, they were unable to pierce United’s backline again.

The half chances continued to come and go for van Nistelrooy and he shot wide from one left-footed effort.

Van Nistelrooy then turned provider to help create United’s second goal for birthday boy Solskjaer on 31 minutes.

Denis Irwin slipped the £19m striker through on the right and he crossed to Giggs at the back post, who nodded the ball on for Solskjaer to head home his 16th goal of the season from just a couple of yards out.

After a nervy first 30 minutes, United were now in control - and the Premiership champions tightened their grip in the 38th minute when they made it 3-1.

Beckham whipped in a free-kick from the right touchline and Mikael Silvestre crashed home a header, and only his second goal for United, into the roof of the net from close range.

To their credit, Nantes refused to lie down and Da Rocha fired a shot against Barthez’s left-hand post.