United Batter Bolton

It would appear that the prayers of the self-styled Special One have not been answered. Despite the departure of Henrik Larsson and the loss of several key players through injury, including captain Gary Neville in the opening minutes as a consequence Speed’s heavy challenge, a rampant Manchester United destroyed Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford with a display of compelling attacking football that had ‘Champions’ written all over it.

They surged into the lead in the 13th minute, when the inspirational Ronaldo pulled the ball back for Park, who had missed an earlier chance, to fire the ball home and within three minutes they made it two as Ronaldo ran the length of the field and put Rooney in for a delicate finish.

Another goal from Park before the interval and a powerful 74th minute volley by Rooney from Smith’s astute through ball made it four but it could easily have been seven, such was United’s domination, and even a generous late penalty award from Alan Wiley, converted by Speed, could not mask the enormous gulf in class between these two sides.

Mourinho will just have to pray harder and hope quite a lot, because the title is slipping away from Chelsea.