Manchester United moved level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after a 3-0 win over Bolton on Saturday afternoon.

The home side did not take long to get into their stride and almost opened the scoring after just four minutes when Danny Welbeck advanced on goal, but Adam Bogdan produced a smart save.

United continued to dominate early proceedings and Welbeck again went close with a header inside the area, but it drifted just wide.

Jonny Evans had a header cleared off the line in a spell of dominance from United before they passed up the opportunity to take the lead after 22 minutes when Wayne Rooney missed a penalty after Zat Knight had bundled Welbeck over in the area.

The home side continued to push for the opener and Paul Scholes went close with a strike after 27 minutes before Rooney struck wide before the half-hour mark.

Bolton struggled as an attacking threat, with a Martin Petrov effort after 34 minutes their best chance of the half.

United eventually opened the scoring after 45 minutes and it came courtesy of the returning Scholes, who produced a clinical finish inside the area.

Bolton had a chance to draw the match level after 63 minutes when Chris Eagles fired in an effort, but Rio Ferdinand was on hand to clear the danger.

United made sure of all the points, however, after 74 minutes when Welbeck bundled the ball over the line having been found by Rooney, before Michael Carrick made it 3-0 with a cool finish five minutes from time.

United will look to make it two league wins in a row when they travel to Arsenal next Sunday, while Bolton host Liverpool.