The open, entertaining match for the neutral observer followed United's away-form script perfectly: missed chances, shocking defensive miscues, and a somewhat unfulfilling draw.
Credit to Bolton's play, but clearly, the Wanderers have nowhere near the technical ability nor fluidity of the Red Devils. United must put away this type of team in this type of game to regain the title.
Once again, basic mistakes led to United's downfall.
First, on a corner, there's Jonny Evans letting Zat Knight back flick a ball past the nowhere-near-the-far-post Evra, who must have had momentary illusions of playing keeper such was his positioning. The alliteration-brothers – Evans and Evra – make news for the wrong reasons.
Later, Petrov – yes, the aged Bulgarian – turned the too-hard-working-in-this-case Park inside-out on the counter, hitting a right-footed shot from 10 yards out off Fletcher and into the United goal.
Not holding your post. Keeping your opponent in front of you. Simple, simple stuff. And, the Reds played well enough to win all three of these away encounters.
What happens if-and-when United hit a major injury crisis or United aren't firing on all cylinders moving forward? Shudder at the thought now.
On one hand, you simply can't rely on scoring two or three goals every away match. Dreary days mid-season insist that you grind out results – something lacking at the moment.
You feel that the team's chemistry needs time to mature, with Rooney out-of-form, Rio and several central midfielders coming back from injury, Scholes and Giggs logging too many minutes too early in the season, and a lack of playing time for bench players, until this past week's Carling Cup action.
On the other hand, it's great to see Nani running at defenders for the first goal and Michael Owen score his 200th Premier League goal with his first touch today – the two delightful moments of this match.
Full credit to Sir Alex for throwing caution to the wind and playing with three strikers, losing shape, and tempting Bolton to open up play. You sensed that someone would score a third, but it never came - despite both sides missing excellent chances. Ultimately, United took the point gained on their rivals and move on.
Looking ahead to midweek, we know that SAF will field a largely different line-up than today, as Giggs has already been ruled out of the traveling side. You suspect United will employ a Christmas tree-like formation that plays 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 in attack, yet defends somewhere closer to a 4-5-1 without possession.
The dilemma now is who will lead the attack?
Berba lacks the pace to stretch defenses and Rooney's out of form. Will Fergie throw more caution to the wind and play Hernandez alone up front? Kiko alone? You suspect SAF may employ Berba alone with Park and Nani pushing forward, or possibly, Rooney replacing Park on the left-hand side.
Hmm... decisions, decisions. Can't wait to find out.
Back at you after the Valencia match. Cheers.
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