Bolton 0-4 Manchester United
Berbatov scored twice in the second-half
Saturday, 27, Mar 2010 07:40
By Matt Hallam.
Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.
After Chelsea's emphatic win earlier in the day Sir Alex Ferguson's side knew only a win would do, and despite the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, United eased to victory.
An own goal gave them the lead, but it was no less than their play deserved. Jlloyd Samuel was the unfortunate player to oblige, putting Ryan Giggs' cross past his own goalkeeper.
Dimitar Berbatov then scored twice in the second half, latching onto a rebound from Darren Fletcher's shot before flicking Nani's cross past Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Substitute Darren Gibson rounded off a fine display from United, side-footing another Nani cross into the net.
United struggled to establish any control in the opening stages but their superior passing soon became apparent with Berbatov testing Jaaskelainen with a deft flick from Fletcher's cross.
Jack Wilshere created a great chance for the hosts when he dissected the United defence with a through ball for Johan Elmander but his shot was well saved by Edwin Van der Sar at the near post.
Bolton continued to hold their own as half-time approach but Samuel's own-goal handed United the lead.
Nani flicked the ball on for Giggs on the left who drove a cross to the back post where Samuel - attempting to clear - inexplicably struck the ball past his goalkeeper and inside the far post.
Fabrice Muamba almost equalised immediately but saw his shot tipped over by Van der Sar.
United started the second-half well with Berbatov coming in from the left and playing a one two with Giggs. The Bulgarian continued his run into the Bolton area but slipped as he was about to shoot, allowing the hosts to clear.
Bolton began to come back into the game with a succession of set pieces but Nemanja Vidic was in fine form at the centre of the United defence.
And Berbatov scored the vital second goal with 20 minutes remaining, pouncing on the rebound after Jaaskelainen had parried Fletcher's shot.
Berbatov then grabbed his second, slotting the ball into the net after Nani had tricked his way past Sam Ricketts to cross.
Substitute Darren Gibson scored United's fourth shortly after replacing Fletcher - side footing another Nani cross into the net via the crossbar to round off an impressive display.