BOLTON REACTIONS

Last updated : 17 August 2003 By Editor

Fergie:

"Overall the scoreline flattered us a little bit. We expected Bolton to offer us stern resistance and they were pretty dangerous at times.

"But our passing improved after the interval and it is a good win for the first day of the season."

Giggs:

"With Seba and Becks not here I will get a few more chances. I could not have hit it better. At half-time we were probably a bit fortunate to be 1-0 up but later in the game probably deserved to win 4-0."

Sam Allardyce felt that had Gardner converted a chance at 2-0, things may have been different:

"I am sure that United would have had the jitters if Ricardo had scored and we would have got it back to 2-1. Up to the 73rd minute it looked like we were right in the game, but we were really very, very disappointed to concede the second goal so quickly after the penalty was saved"

Big Sam also had nothing but praise for debutant Ronaldo:

"That was the turning point. His introduction was crucial. You only have to look at the contribution he made. When they provided him with the ball, he was different class. Sir Alex will use him when he is ready but that was 20 or so exceptional minutes."

Jay-Jay Okocha was also impressed:

"Ronaldo had a big effect on the match. He brought a different style of play to the United game and we found it difficult to cope.“