Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning free-kick left Bolton players wondering just how the Portuguese winger does it.
The 23-year-old last night fired home a dead ball from 30 yards that appeared to defy the laws of physics as it dipped and swerved over the wall and into the net.
Ronaldo had earlier scored following a corner and the victory saw Manchester United go three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Bolton manager Gary Megson said: 'It was genius from probably the best player in the world at the moment.
'Everyone in the dressing room afterwards was talking about how he does it. We have seen him do it twice now and the truth is we just don't know how he does it."
Ronaldo now has 33 goals this season - overtaking George Best's 32 in 1968, the most a United winger had scored in one campaign until now - and 24 in the league.
Manager Alex Ferguson added: 'It's fantastic and speaks volumes about the player, it's amazing that he can do that playing in the position he does.
'Ronaldo's free-kick was marvellous. He does put in the practice and he has this technique.'
Ronaldo was also Ferguson's choice of skipper on the night, and the Scot was pleased by his reaction.
'Not everyone wants to be it but he looks for that kind of responsibility,' said the United manager. 'He has carried the mantle very well.'
Ferguson believes the title race will go to the wire, adding: 'The important thing was that we had the opportunity and the incentive to go three points clear of Arsenal, our nearest pursuers.
'It's nip and tuck now. I think it's going to go to the wire. Chelsea will be key because they have got us and Arsenal at home.
'It's a lead, it's not a significant lead but it's a lead nonetheless. With eight games to go, the team who plays with the most consistency now will win it.'
Megson saw some cause for hope in Bolton's fight against relegation after a good second-half display.
'If we can replicate our second-half performance then there is optimism,' he said.
'We had more shots in this game than probably any away game we have played and we need to keep it going in every game until the end of the season.'
