Scholes peels away after scoring

BBC

Paul Scholes scored on his return to the starting side as Manchester United moved level on points with leaders Manchester City after beating Bolton 3-0, while Blackburn Rover survived a first half red card shown to Yakubu Aiyegbeni to beat Fulham 3-1.

In other games Spurs came from behind to draw 1-1 with Wolves, Aston Villa also drew 1-1 with Everton, courtesy of Victor Anichebe, a Frank Lampard goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Sunderland, Norwich stunned Osaze Odemwingie’s West Brom 2-1 and Stoke played goalless at Anfield with Liverpool.

At Old Trafford, United carved out a number of first-half chances with Adam Bogdan saving Wayne Rooney's penalty.

But Scholes, 37, struck before half-time when he tucked in Rooney's cross.

Bolton improved after the break and United were careless at times, but Danny Welbeck poked in before Michael Carrick settled nerves from 20 yards.

Although the result never seemed in doubt, there were times in the second period when a more effective attack than Bolton's may have made this a closer encounter.

Yet after back-to-back Premier League defeats, United will be happy to put pressure on their city rivals, who face a tricky trip to Wigan on Monday.