Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz admits Bolton Wanderers simply didn't allow their stars to play during yesterday's defeat at the Reebok stadium.

Queiroz said: "We tried to play football but it is difficult when you face intimidation football. That is how Bolton played and it was difficult.

"Without protection from the referee we couldn't play our usual game.

"After a poor first half we improved in the second half.

"We were more calm and cooler and played better football. I think we deserved at least not to lose after the second half performance.

"But this is football, if you only play for 45 minutes it is difficult to win."

Returning to the referee's display, Queiroz felt Clattenberg talked too much in the match,

"The referee tried to teach the rules and stopped the game for too long at times.

"Instead of making decisions he talked, and the referee is there to make decisions not to teach the game."