Goals from Chris Eagles and Federico Macheda saw United come from behind to overcome 10-man Bolton Wanderers, and book a spot in the Lancashire Senior Cup final.

The Reds will face either Liverpool or Accrington Stanley in the showpiece final, but were made to work for their victory by a plucky Wanderers side, reduced to 10 men just after the quarter-hour mark when Macheda's run was halted illegally by defender James Sinclair.

Not that the decision had a negative effect on the hosts, however, as they drew first blood after 20 minutes. Reds goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler was given no chance by a cracking drive from Bolton's Rob Sissons.

Just as the script was being written for a backs-to-the-wall effort from the hosts, United drew level when Eagles converted the rebound from Danny Drinkwater's parried shot.

United moved into the lead six minutes later, as David Gray drilled in a wicked cross which left Macheda the simple task of planting the finish in from close range.

The hosts were understandably deflated by their quickfire collapse, and United were able to retain control of the game for the remainder of the match.

Substitute Danny Galbraith came close to extending the Reds' lead, but could only drag his shot wide after some neat skill.

Macheda's strike proved the difference in the end, and United can now start planning for appearances in two cup finals, having already sealed a berth in the Manchester Senior Cup final.