Old Trafford stars line up to praise Rooney

In particular, one 90-degree pass he made while running at three-quarter pace surrounded by Bolton defenders inside the penalty area, was simply staggering.

That it came after Rooney had won three separate 50-50 tackles in midfield, including one which left him on his knees, and ended with Cristiano Ronaldo prodding into the net, just made it more memorable.

"I applauded him off the pitch when he was substituted because he was absolutely outstanding," admitted United skipper Gary Neville.

"He is only 20 and he is not that tall but he just bullies defenders with this incredible strength and appears to be able to give it his all from the first minute to the 90th in every game.

"He must be a nightmare to play against. Physically you can't handle him - skillwise you can't handle him. He can play centre-forward, drop back, play wide.

"He can pass and shoot. Other than stopping the supply, it is difficult to think of a way to stop him."

It was certainly a task beyond a Bolton side who were supposed to be fresh after the postponement of their midweek encounter with Middlesbrough but were eventually overrun by superior opponents at the top of their game.

United are now playing with pace and poise again. Louis Saha is fit, scoring his first in the Premiership since last January and bringing the extra physical dimension in attack Ferguson's team has lacked so badly.

And, after a difficult time off the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo is starting to get the message that more direct play and fewer tricks will bring greater reward.

Yet on this occasion he still finished a clear second to Rooney, whose importance to club and country simply cannot be underestimated.

"Wayne is a massive player for us because he makes things happen," said Saha. "Even though you are on the same pitch, it is a joy to watch him.

"He is a great player. But then, it doesn't need me to say that. Everyone in the world knows it."