Manchester United were grateful to have Edwin van der Sar back in goal for their victory over Bolton Wanderers.

United won 2-1, but not before the Trotters had United nerves jangling with a series of late chances.

In the end though United were indebted to the calmness of Van der Sar, who proved exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson had offered him an instant recall after breaking two fingers during a pre-season game in Munich.

"Edwin has such fantastic experience," said the United boss.

"He is so consistent. That is what he has been about over all these years."