Jay-Jay Okocha will never forget Ryan Giggs performance on this day

Watch a thrilling match between Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers full match Premier League 2003-2004 16 August 2003: Cristiano Ronaldo makes his United debut as the Reds beat Bolton Wanderers 4-0 on opening day... Premier League 2003–04 – Matchday 1 Date: 16 August 2003 Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester Attendance: 67,647 Referee: Paul Durkin Manchester United opened the 2003–04 Premier League season with a convincing 4–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Although the scoreline suggests a one-sided contest, Bolton were disciplined and difficult to break down during the opening half-hour. United dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Ryan Giggs curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen, giving United a deserved 1–0 lead before halftime. Earlier in the match, Ruud van Nistelrooy had the chance to score from the penalty spot, but Jääskeläinen produced an excellent save to keep Bolton in the game. After the interval, Bolton attempted to press higher but gradually tired as United increased the tempo. Sir Alex Ferguson's side controlled midfield through Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, while Giggs repeatedly threatened down the left wing. The match entered its decisive phase in the final 20 minutes: 74' – Ryan Giggs scored his second goal after another flowing United attack. 77' – Paul Scholes made it 3–0 with a clinical finish following good work from Van Nistelrooy. 87' – Ruud van Nistelrooy completed the scoring after being set up by substitute Diego Forlán, making amends for his earlier missed penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo's debut The afternoon is remembered most for the debut of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had signed from Sporting CP just days earlier. Introduced as a second-half substitute for Nicky Butt, the 18-year-old immediately excited the Old Trafford crowd with his pace, stepovers, dribbling, and fearless attacking play. Although he did not score, his performance drew a standing ovation and widespread praise, with many considering it one of the most memorable Premier League debuts. Goals 35' Ryan Giggs (free kick) – 1–0 74' Ryan Giggs – 2–0 77' Paul Scholes (assist: Ruud van Nistelrooy) – 3–0 87' Ruud van Nistelrooy (assist: Diego Forlán) – 4–0 Manchester United starting XI Tim Howard; Phil Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Mikaël Silvestre, Quinton Fortune; Roy Keane (c), Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs; Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Substitutes used: Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Forlán, Eric Djemba-Djemba. Match Summary Manchester United's experience eventually overwhelmed a resilient Bolton side. Ryan Giggs was the outstanding performer with two goals and an influential display, while Tim Howard enjoyed a clean sheet on his Premier League debut. The match also marked the beginning of Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary Manchester United career, making it one of the club's most memorable opening-day victories. #manchesterunited #football #highlights #ronaldo #siralexferguson