Manchester United 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

[Celebrating the first goal]

Manchester United is back where they belong: top of the table! I gotta say this was a very, very good day. Chelsea lost, handing us the top spot, and Liverpool also lost!

Wayne Rooney is out of the team-sheet due to a calf strain suffered after playing for the England national team, giving playing time for the recently fit again Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov. Rio Ferdinand is given the confidence of the manager after a few shaky defending, leading the back four. Anderson and Michael Carrick were chosen for the central midfield pair, with Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia on the wings.

It looked like it's going to be a very comfortable game for the home team. Owen headed a Giggs' cross goalwards, but slightly off target. Helped by a touch of Bolton's defender Knight, the ball went in. 1-0 United inside the first 5 minutes.

United continued to control possession and creating chances. There were only a couple scares from the Trotters in the first half. Valencia scored his first United goal in the 33rd minute, after a brilliant play between him and the captain Gary Neville.

Before the last 15-20 minutes of the game, United were in control. Keeping possession, getting width from both sides, creating many and many chances. Could have been 5 goals up if it wasn't for Bolton's goalkeeper!

However, United lost focus and let Bolton come back into the game. Taylor scored in the 75th minute, giving the visitors confidence and hope. United had a few more attacks and chances, but it was all Trotters at the remaining 15 minutes. The home side looked as they were hanging on a thread for that one goal advantage.

The match ended 2-1. Focusing on the first 60 minutes, Ryan Giggs had an amazing game, again. Berbatov showed us his amazing touches and control of the ball, and was unlucky to not score. Owen and Berbatov looked like a good partnership, but if Wayne Rooney is fit, we can't not play him! It was a good game, albeit the last 20 minutes.

For a full match report click here.