Paul Scholes made a memorable return to Old Trafford, scoring the opener as Manchester United beat Bolton to move level on points with Manchester City.
United carved out a number of first-half chances, with Adam Bogdan saving Wayne Rooney's penalty.
But Scholes, 37, who recently came out of retirement, struck before half-time when he tucked in Rooney's cross.
United were careless at times, but Danny Welbeck poked in before Michael Carrick settled nerves from 20 yards.
Although the result never seemed in doubt, there were times in the second period when a more effective attack than Bolton's may have made this a closer encounter.
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