Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory against Bolton at Old Trafford. Park Ji-sung and Wayne Rooney stole some limelight though, banging in 2 goals each.
Before the start of the game, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs received their Manager and Player of the Month respectively for the month of February.
Manchester United looked destined to open the score with their aggressive attack right from the kick off. Park came the closest, and should have scored in early minutes, but missed a good chance from 3 yards.
United suffered a setback on 10th minute, with their captain Gary Neville injured following a Gary Speed’s tackle. Neville was substituted by Wes Brown. (After the game, it’s reported that Neville is expected to be sidelined for 3 weeks)
Neville’s injury didn’t affect United’s attacking mood though. Wayne Rooney won a header close to half way line, Ronaldo was the first to get on the ball, used his pace to get to the by-line, and found Park Ji-sung with a brilliant cut-back… Park made no mistake this time. United 1, Bolton 0, on the 14th minute.
The 2nd United’s goal came 3 minutes later, a beautiful box-to-box counter attack. Ronaldo picked up the ball from his own box, played a one-two with Rooney, and dashed from his own half before passing the ball back to Rooney for a cool finish.
Ronaldo was involved in creating the 3rd goal on 25th minute as well. Park Ji-sung started the move, passed to Ronaldo, whose shot was only parried by Bolton’s goalie Jussi Jaaskelainen; Park was the first to pound on the rebound. 3-0 for Manchester United.
United continued to dominate the game in the 2nd half, and should grabbed another one or two goals early on. With the Monday’s FA Cup replay in mind, United took off Giggs and Ronaldo, substituted by Kieran Richardson and Alan Smith.
It’s a warm welcome-back to Smith as he played his first Premiership game since his horrific injury a year ago. And he made a great contribution in United’s 4th goal, lobbing a nice ball for Rooney’s 2nd goal of the match on the 74th minute.
Gary Speed got a consolation goal for Bolton late in the match, scoring from a spot kick.
A great match from Manchester United. Ronaldo the shining star again, creating the 3 first half goals; Rooney gaining back his form with the double; and Park Ji-sung showed his material with a double as well.
Manchester United 4, Bolton 1.