United vs Bolton : Penalty Award

"Rob Styles has dropped a massive clanger. It was one of the worst refereeing decisions ever," said Reds legend Lou Macari, speaking on MUTV.

Bolton boss Gary Megson complained in his press conference, "It was a nonsense decision. After all the talk about technology being used to help referees, what did we come up with this summer? A campaign to show more respect to referees. How ironic."

Sir Alex Ferguson empathised with his opposite number but was naturally delighted to take the "lucky break" that enabled Cristiano Ronaldo to score the breakthrough goal from the spot after being tackled by Jloyd Samuel.

"I was surprised (by the decision)," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"I haven't seen it again (on TV yet) but it looked to me as if the Bolton player (Samuel) got a foot on the ball.

"But Rob Styles turned down four or five for us last season, so maybe we're getting payback now. But he still owes us four!