Reds go 3 points clear as Chelsea held by Spurs

Wednesday night produced a comfortable win at Old Trafford for United as two piece's of Ronaldo magic sunk Bolton. The Portugese winger bagged a brace with 2 early first half goals to kill off a Bolton team lacking in any kind of killer instinct.

The match was notable for another stunning free kick from the number 7 as Ronaldo unleashed a rasper to strand Bolton goalie Al Habsi. This piece of brilliance came after the fleet-footed forward had already broken the deadlock with a well taken half volley after a goalmouth scramble from a Nani corner.

Ronaldo's quality aside, the biggest talking point of the game was Fergie's team selection, as the wily Scot rested 3 of his 4 first choice defenders ahead of the big game against Liverpool this Sunday. Sir Alex did state that Rio Ferdinand had picked up a knock, but this blogger would be amazed if the cultured centre-half didn't start against United's bitter rivals on Sunday afternoon. The omissions of Paul Scholes, Evra, Wes Brown, Ferdinand and Rooney indicates the gaffer had one eye on the decisive clash at the weekend.

On a side note, Ronaldo was given the United captaincy in what could be part of Ferguson's charm offensive to keep his star man out of Real Madrid's clutches once again this summer.

While the United result never looked in doubt, Chelsea and Tottenham played out a pulsating 4-4 all draw at White Hart Lane. Chelsea will feel they should have won, after squandering the lead on no less than three occassions. Spurs will also feel they should have taken the points though as Ashley Cole should have walked for a horror challenge on Alan Hutton in the first half. Added to that, Dimitar Berbatov missed a golden chance to get a late winner after being denied by a tremendous save from Cudicini.

All in all a good night for United - now 3 clear of the Gunners and 5 points ahead of Chelsea. A win against Liverpool this Sunday will see that lead extended over one if not both of these teams as all eyes will be on Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge when the top four go nose to nose.