Howard the Hero as United Win Lancashire Derby

Paul Scholes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy netted tap-ins for the Champions, but Tim Howard was the hero for the visitors with a fine display between the sticks. Bolton piled the pressure on, particularly in the second-half, and were probably worthy of a point from the game but poor finishing and heroics of United's American 'keeper meant the hosts will now be looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack.

Sir Alex Ferguson named big guns Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane in the starting line-up after leaving the two influential players on the bench for Sunday's Cup tie, but it was clear from the start that they needed to be with Bolton looking equally likely to score the opener. Rio Ferdinand also made a very late recovery from an influenza virus to start at the heart of the defence.

Jay-Jay Okocha and Kevin Noland both went close for Wanderers, with the home fans clearly believing a result over the Champions was achievable as Sam Allarydyce's side grew in confidence. However, United broke the deadline with a tap-in goal from Paul Scholes.

Darren Fletcher played a key part in the build up play, finding Ryan Giggs on the left hand side of the Bolton penalty area. The Welshman brought the ball into the penalty are and sent a cross across the goal mouth. Van Nistelrooy got a touch, with the ball deflecting off 'keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen before Paul Scholes tucked the ball home from close range to the delight of United's travelling faithful.

Bolton had a good shout for a penalty when Ferdinand seemed to trip Nolan in the penalty area, and Wanderers went close with a couple more decent chances but there was no way through the strong United defence. The frustration of the home fans increased as United doubled their lead with prolific Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy getting his 21st goal of the campaign.

In-form midfielder Paul Scholes played an important role in the second with the England international finding Ryan Giggs who played a high ball over the Bolton 'keeper onto the head of Van Nistelrooy, who put the ball home from close range with six minutes to go of the opening period.

Wanderers finished the half the stronger enjoying a period of dominant pressure, and they started the better side in the second-half but they had to wait until the 89th minute to get the goal that brought them back into the game for the closing minutes.

Bolton had been the better team throughout the half, but the United defence had held out well until Djorkaeff gave the Trotters a glimmer of hope with only a minute left. The Frenchman put the ball past Howard with a neat header and Bolton suddenly looked like achieving a similar comeback which saw them get a point against Arsenal last season - the game that swung the title race in United's favour!

Bolton through men forward as the hosts attacked in vain as the game went into injury time. Jussi Jaaskelainen spent the last 90 seconds of the match in United's half as the crowd urged Bolton on as they had a series of set pieces, but the Red Devils defence held out well to claim a vital three points. Other results in the title race which saw Arsenal draw at Goodison Park and Chelsea losing at home to Liverpool (how embarrassing!) mean we are now three points clear at the top of the table.

This was the kind of performance that we've come to associate with United over the years. I'd have expected Arsenal to have only managed a point at the Reebok on Wednesday night, and Chelsea would probably have lost. It's the kind of ground out victory that wins titles! Well done lads...

Full Time - Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 27,668

ManUtdWeb Man of the Match - Tim Howard
It was a superb display from the American, making a series of good saves to keep United's noses in front. The praise has definitely been justified, with Howard making the step up from Major League Soccer in style.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Charlton, Gardner (Thome 18), Campo (Ba 82), Frandsen, Djorkaeff, Okocha, Nolan (Javi Moreno 64), Davies.
Subs not used: Poole, Giannakopoulos.

Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fletcher, Keane (Butt 82), Phil Neville, Giggs (Fortune 84), Scholes, Van Nistelrooy.
Subs not used: Carroll, Kleberson, Forlan.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).

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