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Hoping to avoid a humiliating third consecutive league defeat, Ferguson fielded Evans with Ferdinand at centreback and Rafael started at right back as Jones and Smalling both lost their fitne s battle. Paul Scholes, after making a 30 min cameo against Man City last week started in midfield alongside Michael Carrick. Welbeck retained his place up front with Rooney and Berbatov remained on the bench with De Gea.Cahill, on the verge of joining Chelsea, was not included in the lineup and was replaced by Wheater. Ngog continued to spearhead 19th-place Boltons attack in place of Kevin Davies and Klasnic with Eagles and Petrov supporting on the flanks. Adam Bodgan, after conceding a 92-yard goal from Tim Howard last week, kept his position as first-choice keeper Jaaskelainen remained injured.Play of the GameMan Utd: A return header from Scholes found Valencia with space on the right flank before the winger decided to burst through 3 Bolton defenders to the byline. A low cro s drilled to the far post had beaten everybody but Wayne Rooney was just late to slide the ball into the net in the 61th minute. Bolton: Mark Davies showed good anticipation in intercepting Evans poor square pa s to Evra before speeding into Uniteds box pa s Ferdinand just after the break. He then laid the ball back to Ngog who fired his shot into row Z.Paul Scholes enjoys sharing the spotlight with King HenryKey MomentsIn the 20th minute, Rooneys spot kick was pushed away by goalkeeper Bogdan and the Red Devils started to get nervous after their early domination failed to pay off. Bogdan on the other hand regained much confidence after last weeks bizarre goal and managed to fend off Man Utds ensuing attacks. Sir Alex would have hoped at least either one of his keepers had such confidence.Scholes goal just before half time came at the perfect timing. Starting the second half with a 1-0 lead made it much more comfortable for the nervous Red Devils to control the game at home and Scholes apparently regained his confidence in the 2nd half after giving the ball away carele sly several times in the first.A Petrov corner was met by the head of Stein son and it was only kept out of the line at the far post by Rafael in the 68th minute, which could easily have changed the game if it went 1-1.Sir Alex brought on Giggs and Park on for Scholes and Nani in the 69th minute aiming to keep po se sion Silvio De Sousa Jersey and hinder the liberated Mark Davies before pre sure became too intense when it was still 1-0. This was a better change compared to the FA Cup match at Etihad Stadium, when Alex brought in Scholes to pair a combined-75 years old central midfield with the lead only stood at 3-1.Carrick bended a 25-yard shot with his left foot to the bottom corner in the 83rd minute to ensure Man Utd return to winning ways as they continue to pile on pre sure to leaders Man City.VerdictMan UtdIt was a much-needed victory for Man Utd as they look to take advantage of Man City losing key players to the African Nations Cup to close the gap or even supersede their neighbor in the league table after a good-result-poor-performance match in the FA Cup derby. Although playing at home, they welcomed Boltons attacks in the early stage and countered with pace up front. However frustration began to build up after the penalty mi s as they couldnt convert their chances into goals before legend Paul Scholes slotted home from close range to keep their plan on track. Their lack of concentration was still occasionally evident especially at the backline but was overshadowed by the impotency of Boltons offence; nonethele s brilliant performances by Valencia and Welbeck was enough to secure a win as the Red Devils look to recover from two consecutive league lo ses.BoltonThe offence was rather hopeful in the early stages but the defense was horrid from the first minute. Man Utd players were given immense amount of space throughout the match and were rarely closed down. Chris Eagles shouldered the attacking burden in the early stages and combined with Mark Davies on several occasions to create nerves for the majority in Old Trafford but their poor defending (excluding goalkeeping) was frequently exploited to disrupt their rhythm. The penalty save gave confidence to the Bolton players but the lack of organization eventually paid the price before a demoralizing goal just before the break. Despite showing promises against a shaky United backline in the early minutes of the second half, Owen Coyles men were only further exposed and they may find themselves at the bottom of the league by the end of tomorrow.Best Performer of the GameAntonio Valencia. Having been deployed at the right back position during Man Utds injury crisis, Valencia reminded fans of his favorite right wing role as he continually terrorized Samuel Ricketts and it was definitely a nightmare the Bolton fullback would like to forget. The wingers quick feet, strong physique and high pace was too much to deal with and cro ses constantly came in from the right flank. The tirele s Ecuadorian was having one of his best nights in front of his home fans as they were cheering for him whenever he touched the ball in the latter stage of the encounter.Growing defensive mind in his effective attacking gameWho could do better?David Ngog. The former Liverpool striker has been heavily involved in Boltons season so far but once again hes made Bolton fans mi s Kevin Davis more. The Frenchman did not show enough strength needed to outmuscle 33-yeard-old Ferdinand and retain po se sion and was seldom involved in his teams counter attacks with average movement. He lacked Kevin Davies strength and hardwork in closing down defenders and he lacked Klasnics killer shot in front of goal. Owen Coyle must make a decision in whether to keep faith in the Frenchman or revert to old times as Bolton continue to fight against relegation.