It was Scholes' first goal for United since August 2010 in United's 2-2 draw at Fulham, the only time he found the net for the Red Devils last term, and marked a dream return at Old Trafford after his shock decision to come out of retirement last weekend.
Tottenham's hopes of joining United and City on 48 points at the Premier League summit were dashed as they were forced to come from behind to take a point against Wolves.
Robbie Keane was unable to achieve the heroics of Scholes and Thierry Henry, making his debut from the bench as Aston Villa drew 1-1 at home to Everton.
Chelsea consolidated their position in fourth with a narrow home success against Sunderland, Liverpool could not find a way through against Stoke at Anfield, while Norwich extended West Brom's poor home run with a 2-1 success at the Hawthorns.
Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to bring Scholes out of retirement paid instant dividends at Old Trafford with the 37-year-old setting Manchester United on their way to a 3-0 home success against struggling Bolton.
Wayne Rooney missed a glorious opportunity to put United in front early on, with Adam Bogdan diving full length to his right to push away the striker's penalty after Danny Welbeck was tripped by Zat Knight.
But Rooney turned provider shortly before the break, cutting the ball back across the box for returning veteran midfielder Scholes to turn a low shot beyond Bogdan.
England striker Rooney missed another great chance after the break, before setting up Danny Welbeck to poke home the Red Devils' second with 16 minutes to go, before Michael Carrick demonstrated his class with a measured finish from outside the box late on.