ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Man Utd 3 Bolton 0:MANCHESTER UNITED were a tribute act that still contained one of the original members. A retreating Bolton Wanderers allowed them such scope that Alex Ferguson's side were often in a 4-2-4 formation that would have made spectators nostalgic.
The sense of heritage may have been particularly inspiring for Paul Scholes, who turned in a low ball from Wayne Rooney on the verge of the interval.
There could be another deluge of tributes to a remarkable footballer, but no one can pretend he is ageless. Ferguson was mindful of practicalities when giving the 37-year-old a deep-lying role in midfield.
It was to United’s benefit that Scholes, at a critical moment, still could not keep himself away from the opposition’s goalmouth, an area that must hold sentimental appeal for the veteran.
He is one of the great footballers of modern times, but there was plenty of evidence that he will struggle to live up to his reputation. His display in the first half was strewn with mistakes. The errors came despite the comfortable possession he enjoyed as Bolton kept their distance.
If Ferguson wanted him back in action it was an indication that the manager cannot afford to leave any pocket of talent untapped. After the chastening campaign in the Champions League, most supporters anticipated the team would have to scramble their way through the programme.
With Ferguson in charge, United have instead been doing rather well.
It is true as well that a person of Scholes’s status has had an impact on other players simply by going about his everyday life at United. Even goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, who made his debut only a year ago, recognises the continuity and influence that someone such as the midfielder can bring.
While Scholes has an aversion to microphones, his life speaks eloquently for itself.
Few demands were made of the midfielder on Saturday. There was a prolonged spell when it scarcely mattered who was anchoring the team in the centre of the pitch and United were dreary in that spell.
When they got a penalty, following Zat Knight’s foul on Danny Welbeck, Adam Bogdan saved Rooney’s attempt in the 22nd minute. That was more of an inconvenience to the hosts than a blow.
After Scholes had scored, there was a goal from Welbeck, who finished after the ball had been knocked his way by Rooney, but hurt himself in the process. Michael Carrick then beat Bogdan with a fine 25-yarder that raised the tone of the match.
Owen Coyle’s side lacked the centre-half Gary Cahill, who is moving to Chelsea, but Tim Ream, defender with the New York Red Bulls, is expected to replace him.
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Attendance: 75,444
