The Serbian struck his first Reds goal since arriving in January after eight minutes, as his heavily deflected free-kick wrong-footed Trotters goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.
United peppered the hosts' goal with shots on goal, with only inspired goalkeeping from Bogdan keeping the difference down to a single goal. That precarious advantage meant Bolton were always in the tie, however, and Ben Amos was required to make two fine saves himself midway through the second period.
The Reds' intent to attack was signalled by a line-up which contained Kiko Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Lee Martin and Tosic as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Warren Joyce sought to secure the second trophy of their spell in charge.
The early exchanges belonged to United, who immediately put the hosts under pressure. When Tosic struck from 20 yards, albeit via a sizeable deflection off the wall, it had been coming. Two minutes later, Macheda headed Martin's free-kick over from six yards.
From there, Bogdan took centre stage. First he superbly finger-tipped a low Tosic effort wide, then fielded a powerful close-range effort from Martin before Macheda and Eckersley both fired narrowly off target.
Martin seemed to have doubled United's advantage on 35 minutes as he raced onto Macheda's pass and slotted through Bogdan's legs, only for a late and slightly harsh offside flag to keep the scoreline intact.
Another deflected Tosic effort dribbled just wide the post as United ended the first half on top, and the game continued in the same vein after the break as Bolton struggled to cope with the Reds' passing and ball retention.
Tosic twice drew solid saves from Bogdan as a second goal seemed inevitable, but Bolton served belated notice of their threat in drawing two superb saves from Reds goalkeeper Amos around the hour mark.
First Tope Obadeyi burst into the United area and only Amos' fingertips prevented the striker's shot from nestling in the bottom corner, but even better was the England youth international's superb reaction to turn Aaron Mooy's free-kick round the post.
Those scares provoked a flurry of United half-chances, as Macheda, Welbeck and Danny Drinkwater all fired narrowly off-target, and only another superb save from Bogdan prevented substitute Magnus Eikrem from putting deserved gloss on the scoreline in the final minute.
One goal was enough, however, and it was fitting that the impressive Tosic should seal a second trophy of the campaign for the Reds' Reserves. Next season will begin with the chance of another - the Lancashire Senior Cup final in August, in which Bolton will again provide the opposition.
United: Amos; Eckersley, C Evans, De Laet, James; Tosic (Stewart, 87), Drinkwater (Eikrem, 87), Possebon, Martin; Welbeck (Gill, 74), Macheda.
Subs not used: Devlin, Dudgeon.
United's Reserves retained the Manchester Senior Cup after Zoran Tosic's early goal proved enough to overcome Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has been impressed by Steve Bruce's impact since taking the reins at Wednesday's opponents Wigan Athletic
Former United captain Bruce, who played 309 games in nine years with the Reds, has transformed the Lancashire outfit from relegation fodder into European hopefuls.
Sir Alex said: “He’s built a very powerful, athletic team and although they had a bad start to the season, they came back with great rattle and got themselves into a UEFA position. They may have tailed off a bit from that now but Brucie’s still done a great job."
The United legend succeeded Chris Hutchings as Wigan boss in November 2007, having twice guided Birmingham City into the top flight during a six-year tenure. The Latics were then languishing in the relegation zone but some astute signings by Bruce in the January transfer window helped them secure survival in the Barclays Premier League with one game remaining - the game the Reds won at Wigan to clinch the 2007/08 title.
Bruce strengthened his side further last summer, notably with the purchase of prolific Egyptian striker Amir Zaki, and in his first full season as manager he has guided the club to a comfortable mid-table position.
Several of Wigan’s star performers, including Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios (now of Spurs) have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in the past, but Sir Alex feels that the days of the Latics being a selling club could soon be over.
The United boss added: “I think their players will recognise the steps forward they’ve taken, there’s been progress and that’s important.”
Sir Alex said: “He’s built a very powerful, athletic team and although they had a bad start to the season, they came back with great rattle and got themselves into a UEFA position. They may have tailed off a bit from that now but Brucie’s still done a great job."
The United legend succeeded Chris Hutchings as Wigan boss in November 2007, having twice guided Birmingham City into the top flight during a six-year tenure. The Latics were then languishing in the relegation zone but some astute signings by Bruce in the January transfer window helped them secure survival in the Barclays Premier League with one game remaining - the game the Reds won at Wigan to clinch the 2007/08 title.
Bruce strengthened his side further last summer, notably with the purchase of prolific Egyptian striker Amir Zaki, and in his first full season as manager he has guided the club to a comfortable mid-table position.
Several of Wigan’s star performers, including Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios (now of Spurs) have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in the past, but Sir Alex feels that the days of the Latics being a selling club could soon be over.
The United boss added: “I think their players will recognise the steps forward they’ve taken, there’s been progress and that’s important.”
United fan Mark Froggatt praises Ji-sung Park's impact on the Reds
When Sir Alex Ferguson announced the signing of Ji-sung Park in the summer of 2005, my immediate reaction was one of complete scepticism. I theorised how the South Korean was only bought to boost shirt sales in Asia and would provide very little influence on first-team action.
At the time, United were two seasons without a league title and some of Sir Alex's signings, uncharacteristically, had not worked out, most notably in the shape of Kleberson and Eric Djemba-Djemba. I feared Park would be next.
My doubts over the manager's transfer activity were exposed as a naïve assumption about Asian football, as Park excelled in a United shirt and won over my respect (for what it's worth).
At present, the Korean midfielder is a cult hero among the Old Trafford support and holds membership to a select group of players at United who may not command many column inches, but make enough impact to deserve them.
I’m talking of course about the likes of Darren Fletcher, John O’Shea and Michael Carrick - who are the complete 21st-century team players and unsung heroes. The types of players that will walk away with nothing at this Sunday’s end-of-season awards ceremony, but deserve all the plaudits.
Park has proved to be a vital cog in the United machine after scoring big-game goals against Middlesbrough and Arsenal - and if you believe what you read in the papers, his starting place against Barcelona is guaranteed.
However, I am beginning to lose count of the arguments I’ve had with opposition supporters, who still fail to recognise the talents of South Korea’s captain and question his adulation at Old Trafford. But my response is always simple.
Contrary to reports, United fans are not the fickle, glory-hunting prawn sandwich brigade the media portrays us to be. We recognise when players give everything they’ve got for the cause and Park does just that - and more. His attitude is a joy to behold and barring perhaps Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, he arguably covers more ground than anyone else on the pitch.
A more critical individual may point to Park's lack of end product in important areas, but for me, he more than makes up for that in heart and soul.
Credit is due of course to the big man himself, Sir Alex, who not only recognised his talent but saw in him the right kind of spirit and determination that was going to take the club forward. Also, a reported fee of just £4million looks a real bargain in today's inflated transfer market.
So, in a time when some professional footballers are pictured in nightclubs more often than on the training pitch, Ji-sung Park is not only a credit to himself, but to the game as a whole. And I am proud to call him a United player.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
At the time, United were two seasons without a league title and some of Sir Alex's signings, uncharacteristically, had not worked out, most notably in the shape of Kleberson and Eric Djemba-Djemba. I feared Park would be next.
My doubts over the manager's transfer activity were exposed as a naïve assumption about Asian football, as Park excelled in a United shirt and won over my respect (for what it's worth).
At present, the Korean midfielder is a cult hero among the Old Trafford support and holds membership to a select group of players at United who may not command many column inches, but make enough impact to deserve them.
I’m talking of course about the likes of Darren Fletcher, John O’Shea and Michael Carrick - who are the complete 21st-century team players and unsung heroes. The types of players that will walk away with nothing at this Sunday’s end-of-season awards ceremony, but deserve all the plaudits.
Park has proved to be a vital cog in the United machine after scoring big-game goals against Middlesbrough and Arsenal - and if you believe what you read in the papers, his starting place against Barcelona is guaranteed.
However, I am beginning to lose count of the arguments I’ve had with opposition supporters, who still fail to recognise the talents of South Korea’s captain and question his adulation at Old Trafford. But my response is always simple.
Contrary to reports, United fans are not the fickle, glory-hunting prawn sandwich brigade the media portrays us to be. We recognise when players give everything they’ve got for the cause and Park does just that - and more. His attitude is a joy to behold and barring perhaps Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, he arguably covers more ground than anyone else on the pitch.
A more critical individual may point to Park's lack of end product in important areas, but for me, he more than makes up for that in heart and soul.
Credit is due of course to the big man himself, Sir Alex, who not only recognised his talent but saw in him the right kind of spirit and determination that was going to take the club forward. Also, a reported fee of just £4million looks a real bargain in today's inflated transfer market.
So, in a time when some professional footballers are pictured in nightclubs more often than on the training pitch, Ji-sung Park is not only a credit to himself, but to the game as a whole. And I am proud to call him a United player.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Can United move to within one point of the title by beating Wigan at the JJB stadium?
Form Guide: Wigan are without a win in the last five games but sitting 11th in the Barclays Premier League, they are safe and have little to play for other than pride. However, Steve Bruce is likely to fire up the troops as he faces his former club and manager. Sunday’s 2-0 derby win over Manchester City leaves United needing just four points to secure a third successive title. The Reds come into the game on the back of six straight wins and will look to emulate last season’s display at the JJB where a 2-0 win sealed the title.
Ins and Outs: Wigan’s Egyptian striker Mido is a doubt with a shoulder injury whilst Korean defender Won-Hee Cho is out with a calf strain. Rio Ferdinand could return after missing the derby and Gary Neville may feature after recovering from injury. Long-term absentees Wes Brown (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) will not be involved.
Star Man: Antonio Valencia has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford this summer after impressing for Steve Bruce’s Wigan team. With three goals and five assists, Valencia has become indispensible at the JJB and is a clear threat to the Reds' defence.
Rivals Watch: United’s trip to Wigan is the only top-flight fixture on Wednesday.
Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire) has taken charge of the Reds on three occasions this season, most recently in the 2-1 win at Sunderland. He has awarded seven red and 24 yellow cards in 24 games, averaging 3.46 cards a game.
Ins and Outs: Wigan’s Egyptian striker Mido is a doubt with a shoulder injury whilst Korean defender Won-Hee Cho is out with a calf strain. Rio Ferdinand could return after missing the derby and Gary Neville may feature after recovering from injury. Long-term absentees Wes Brown (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) will not be involved.
Star Man: Antonio Valencia has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford this summer after impressing for Steve Bruce’s Wigan team. With three goals and five assists, Valencia has become indispensible at the JJB and is a clear threat to the Reds' defence.
Rivals Watch: United’s trip to Wigan is the only top-flight fixture on Wednesday.
Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire) has taken charge of the Reds on three occasions this season, most recently in the 2-1 win at Sunderland. He has awarded seven red and 24 yellow cards in 24 games, averaging 3.46 cards a game.
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