Late Berbatov header sends United top

It appeared the Red Devils would have to settle for a point despite keeping a record-equalling 10th clean sheet.

But when Carlos Tevez broke free of the Bolton defence, his cross was perfect for Berbatov, who finally broke Jussi Jaaskelainen's brave resistance.

Faced with a Bolton side content to sit back and see what their opponents could throw at them, United's response was disappointing.

One Gary Neville pass to Darren Fletcher allowed the Scotland international to cut a cross back for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose header bounced straight to Jaaskelainen.

Fabrice Muamba had a decent shot saved by Edwin van der Sar but it was not until the countdown to half-time had begun that United came to life.

Ronaldo let fly with a vicious free-kick that Jaaskelainen did superbly to keep out.

United were expected to start the second period with an extra sense of purpose but instead, with Ariza Makukula continuing to prove a handful, Bolton set the pace.

Kevin Davies beat Van der Sar with a looping header after Jlloyd Samuel had provided the cross but the Bolton skipper turned in anguish as the ball dropped onto the roof of the net.

Finally the Red Devils roused themselves, with Berbatov repaying another chunk of his £30.75m transfer fee with his vital late winner.