Manchester United were always expected to defeat Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford, but after their two bad losses against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, their supporters will likely be relieved that the worst is behind them. Bolton may have received a glimpse into what life without Gary Cahill will be like, as their defense was very poor in a 3-0 Red Devils win.
Incredibly, it should have been a lot worse. Danny Welbeck drew a penalty in the 21st minute, when he got behind the defense and was shoved in the back by Zat Knight. It was an obvious case of clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity, and how Knight wasn't sent off is a mystery. Miraculously, Adam Bogdan made a terrific save on Wayne Rooney's penalty attempt.
The teams looked set to head into the half tied 0-0 before Paul Scholes put his team up in the 45th minute, scoring a poacher's goal at the back post after a Nani cross was deflected. Following in the footsteps of Thierry Henry, Scholes netted in his second game of his improbable comeback that will likely result in Chelsea phoning up Claude Makelele very soon.
Things were a little easier for United in the second half, and they finished off the game with a couple of brilliant goals. Welbeck scored in the 74th, slotting a calm finish by Bodgan after a through ball by Rooney. Michael Carrick sealed up the win with a brilliant strike in the 83rd minute, scoring from just outside the penalty area.
For more on the two teams, check out Manchester United blog The Busby Babe and Bolton Wanderers blog Lion Of Vienna Suite.