After a Jloyd Samuel own goal gifted the Reds a half-time lead, Dimitar Berbatov made certain of three big points with his first league brace for United. Darron Gibson then added a late fourth goal after coming on as a substitute.
The margin of victory was no more than the champions deserved, having dictated proceedings with the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs pulling the strings and Nani and Antonio Valencia stretching the play on the opposite flanks.
Darren Fletcher was also heavily involved, almost creating the opener with a similar cross to his assist against Liverpool – only this time it yielded not a header from Park, but a wonderful volley by Berbatov, well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen. Fletcher laid the ball off to Jonny Evans when the ensuing corner wasn’t cleared but the Irishman, in for Rio Ferdinand, couldn’t keep his shot down and Bolton breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the best chance of the first half-hour was for the home side, when Jack Wilshere – on loan from Arsenal – played Elmander into the left-hand channel. The big Swede looked odds-on to score but his powerful shot was beaten away by the strong hand of Edwin van der Sar.
Ryan Giggs was revelling in his first start since mid-February and he was unlucky not to hit the target after teeinghimself up with an exquisite first touch at the edge of the area. The misfortune was all Bolton’s, though, when Berbatov won a header, Nani hooked the ball on and Giggs delivered a left-wing cross that Jloyd Samuel comically sidefooted into his own net. Fletcher and Valencia were sniffing around but there could be no excuses for the ex-Villa defender – this was a howler of the highest order.
Also from the top drawer was the next save from van der Sar; the Dutchman flew to his right and flicked away Fabrice Muamba’s tremendous rising shot. A world-class stop, it denied what would have been an instant leveller from Owen Coyle’s men.
If the defence were indebted to van der Sar, the reverse was true when the Dutchman was slow in coming back onto the field following the award of a Bolton corner. He wasn’t in position for the set piece but the Reds closed ranks to prevent an embarrassing equaliser.
Sir Alex was irate at referee Martin Atkinson as the teams left the field at the interval, apparently after an unpunished aerial challenge by Ricketts left Nani clutching his face.
The Reds started the second half strongly and might have swiftly doubled the lead had Berbatov not slipped inside the area after some neat play by Scholes. The Bulgarian stayed on his feet to set up Fletcher with a one-two; the Scot’s shot went inches wide.
The battles in the skies continued, and Bolton had a man off the field for treatment – Elmander injured in a clashwith Vidic – when United moved further in front. Giggs was again involved in the goal, by threading a pass through to Fletcher. The latter unleashed not the fiercest of shots, but all Jaaskelainen could do was deflect the ball into Berbatov’s path and give the Bulgarian the simplest of tap-ins.
Two-nil - home and hosed? If not then, United certainly were nine minutes later when Nani tormented Ricketts with some lovely footwork on the left flank and pulled the ball back for Berbatov to stab in his second and the Reds’ third strike.
“United, top of the league,” chorused the vocal away fans, even before the flourish of a fourth goal. The creator was the same, Nani bewitching Ricketts once more before squaring it for Darron Gibson to crash a shot in off the keeper’s hands and the crossbar. The scorer had been on the pitch for less than two minutes as a substitute.
The Reds had answered Sir Alex’s call for goals, but more importantly regained top spot from rampant Chelsea, ahead of next Saturday’s showdown at Old Trafford. Bring it on.
Betting: Liverpool
Odds stated are correct at time of writing. For the very latest prices, see Betfair's website at manutd.com/bet.
First, some facts. United have lost the last three matches against Liverpool, including a horrific 4-1 mauling at OT 12 months ago.
But there are other facts, too. Sir Alex's men are top of the league, four places above Liverpool and favourites at 2.66 (13/8) to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
The Reds' boss will use United’s poor recent record against their fierce rivals to motivate his men but, as a childhood Evertonian, Wayne Rooney won't need any more encouragement to get at Liverpool’s shaky defence and add to his 32-goal tally. Sir Alex always says the way to beat Liverpool is to score first, so back United to win the match at 1.73 (8/11) and Rooney to open the scoring.
There have been five red cards on the last four occasions the sides have met. Incredibly, three of those have gone to Nemanja Vidic. It might be fiery on Sunday, so back the sending off at around 3.5 (5/2). We also think United will keep a clean sheet.
Almost two years ago to the day, United won this fixture 3-0. It’s just a hunch but we fancy we could get an identical result on Sunday so we’ll back 3-0 in the Correct Score market at 18.0 (17/1). As a saver bet you might like to take odds of 1.89 (10/11) on Under 2.5 goals but do remember that only two of United’s last 10 games has failed to produce three goals or more.
Much has been made of the Reds' tough run-in – with Chelsea still to come on April 4 – but a United win on Sunday would send a clear signal that Sir Alex's men are on their way to a 19th Premier League title. Those odds of 2.66 (13/8) will only narrow so get on while you can.
Manu Utd 4-0 Ac Milan
Big win.I'm very proud of Manu Utd because they have wins against Ac Milan 4-0.Suprising win.Rooney(2),Fletcher and Park.Amazing scored.Manu Utd believe Park is the key to defeat Ac Milan.
Dinner With Eric
Reds' legend Eric Cantona will be reunited with Sir Alex Ferguson and a host of his former team-mates next month at the Football Extravaganza dinner in London and two lucky Reds will be there too.
The Frenchman will be the recipient of the ‘Legend of Football’ award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the beautiful game, the highlight of which was his four-and-a-half-year stay at Old Trafford. Sir Alex will be on hand to present the accolade to the former Red-turned actor, while a number of other United legends and well-known football faces will be in attendance at the dinner at London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel on 12 April.
Since its inaugural event in 1996, the Football Extravaganza, which is hosted by Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, has honoured a number of the game’s greats, including Sir Alex, Denis Law and Teddy Sheringham.
Over the past 14 years, the dinner has raised almost £4million for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins which specialises in transforming the lives of children and adults constrained by illness, disability, trauma or isolation, through the power of music. As well as the main presentation to Eric, there will also be music and entertainment and a charity auction featuring some unique United-themed items.
To be in with a chance of winning two VIP tickets to join Eric and co. for a great evening’s entertainment enter our exclusive competition (terms and conditions apply). A limited number of tickets are still available to buy, costing £3,500 per table of ten or £350 per individual place. To purchase tickets, please email Rae Peal at Enquiries@TheFE.co.uk
The views expressed in this article are personal to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
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