Neil Redfearn says he has been presented with an "ideal scenario" as he selects his team for Bolton after a number of players came in to make an impression at Sunderland.

Redfearn made seven changes for the Stadium of Light trip, including debuts for Dario Del Fabro and Brian Montenegro, while the likes of Charlie Taylor, Luke Murphy and Casper Sloth were also handed starts in a narrow 1-0 defeat.

United now travel to Bolton Wanderers looking to address their recent league form and Redfearn faces a selection dilemma following the encouraging performance on Wearside.

"We brought players in that played well. There were players who have been playing consistently well and went out to rest," he said.

"Now we’ve got competition for places which is what you want. It’s an ideal scenario really.

"What it’s done is show the rest of the squad that it’s not a closed shop, there are positions and places up for grabs if they play well.

"We’ve got to pick a side now that we think is upwardly mobile and is going to go to Bolton and get a result."

Redfearn opted to rest youngsters Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt and Sam Byram as he looks to preserve their fitness with all three now established members of his side.

"We’ve relied on them heavily, they haven’t missed much football," said the head coach.

"It’s a lot to ask of young boys to carry the weight of such a big club, but I think they’ve done really well.

"I think they needed a rest, along with a couple of others, but they’re at that point now where they’re chomping at the bit to come back in.

"That, coupled with the performances of some of the lads who came in, we know we’ve got a good problem."