Manchester United extend lead after late Bolton win

Ten-man Manchester United snatched three crucial points at Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League, which extended their lead at the top to five points after Arsenal drew West Brom 2-2.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched from the stands, though he communicated to his staff through the telephone, as he served the first of his five game suspension. The match burst into life when United defender Johnny Evans, rushed back from injury, got himself sent off with a straight red card early in the second half. Up until then, both teams were solid at the back and were restricted to long range attempts on goal though United did have a penalty appeal denied early in the first half when Javier Hernandez's shot bounced off the arm of Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

Jonny Evans' second-half deserved sending off after a malicious tackle on Stuart Holden, gave more space for Bolton to play and as a result, the game opened up a bit. Despite being a man-down, United did not alter their style and Rooney and Berbatov came close. However, Bolton substitute Mathew Taylor spurned a glorious opportunity to give the visitors the lead when he sent an unmarked header from eight yards straight into the hands of Van der Sar.

Bolton were left to rue that mistake as when with two minutes remaining, Jussi Jaaskelainen failed to hold on to a routine shot from Nani, and the rebound fell to Berbatov who scored what might as well be their mMaost crucial victory in the season yet.