Subs thrill Sir Alex

United's second-half performance against Bolton epitomised the squad game for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Three attacking substitutes helped the Reds to claim the two-goal cushion that a lion's share of the possession merited - the first two, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, earning particular praise from their boss.

"If we're getting responses like Wayne's, in the squad we have, then it's terrific for the club," said Sir Alex, after rating Rooney's goal as "fantastic."

As for Scholes, the manager added: "On these hot days we feel it's better to bring on Paul as a sub when the game's cooled down a bit in the second half. I think it was his 400th league game today and he showed why he's played 400 league games at our club. Marvellous stuff at times."

Nani later became United's third sub and came close to scoring the third goal with a few decent attempts. It meant the Reds ended the second half in a more menacing manner than they had the first. Indeed, for all the champions' first-period dominance, it was Bolton who almost took a half-time lead through Fabrice Muamba.

"We were careless with our possession at time in the first half and we got caught on the counter attack," conceded Sir Alex.

"I felt we played too tightly. There were too many six-yard passes, instead of spreading the game quicker. In the second half we had far more width in our game and I'm very satisfied with how the game turned out.

"I think it was a well deserved victory. We played some fantastic football at times - we have the individuals to do that when you consider the skills of Scholes, Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov.

"There is an array of talent here. We just have to garner it together and get compact teamwork out of it."

Sir Alex could shuffle his side again in midweek, for a somewhat different test in the shape of Aalborg BK away in the Champions League.

"I opted to leave Wes Brown out but he'll be involved on Tuesday," said Sir Alex. However there was some bad news for another absentee from the 18 selected against Bolton.

"Hargreaves is feeling his knee again," revealed the manager.