Source: SKY_Sports
Fergie - We made it difficult
Sir Alex Ferguson feels his side made things hard on themselves as they battled to a 2-1 win over Bolton at Old Trafford.
The win takes United to the top of the Premier League after Zat Knight's own goal and Antonio Valencia's first for the club were enough to grab three points.
With the home side seemingly cruising by the break, Bolton returned for the second half with intent and were back in the game when Matt Taylor pulled one back on 75 minutes.
The goal set up a nervy final quarter of an hour for Ferguson's men, but they held out for the win as they leapfrogged Chelsea into top spot.
"It was harder than it should have been, there were a lot of opportunities to finish the game," Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"And when that happens, two-goal leads aren't particularly great and of course Bolton scored and then it was back to walls stuff really for that last ten minutes, there was a bit of panic."
DifficultFerguson was keen to praise Bolton's persistence as they bombarded the United penalty area with high balls aimed at Kevin Davies, and he admits the style is difficult to defend.
He added: "Bolton have got that type of play that makes it difficult for anyone and they're a team who will get results because of that. They could take points off anyone, they're effective.
"They have a simple way of playing, a very committed team and they have one or two nice talents which brings a nice balance to their team.
"So, they're difficult opponents and we're quite happy to get a result."
Despite going top with both Chelsea and Liverpool losing on the same day, United's performance will raise questions about their form, regardless of the win, but Ferguson was pleased with his side's display.
"We played very well I thought, the football throughout the game was very good, apart from the last ten minutes," he said.
"But we played some very good football. (There was) a good speed to the game, so I was happy with that."
Ferguson was reluctant to accept that his side struggled again at home and insisted that tricky games have to be expected so early in the season.
"I think that's the Premier Division. You always find in the first half of the season the games are more difficult to win, I'm sure of that, I've said that many times."
Injury concernsThe match drew yet another man-of-the-match display from veteran Ryan Giggs and although the Welshman picked up a knock during his performance, Ferguson preferred to focus on his game.
"Unfortunately he's picked up a bit of an injury so he's doubtful for Moscow," Ferguson said, with Wednesday's UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow in mind.
"But he surpasses all the accolades that have been given to him because he seems to get better, and that's incredible to say about a 35-year-old."
Ferguson also has doubts over defenders Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic for their next game, with the former picking up a knock against the Trotters.
"Patrice Evra is someone we'll have to look at. That ought to be a concern, he got a bad tackle during the game and he could be doubtful for Wednesday.
Vidic missed out on the game altogether after picking up an injury during the week, but Ferguson assured fans the Serbian will be fit to face Liverpool next weekend.
Ferguson added: "He had a calf strain that he picked up on international duty but he'll be ready for the Liverpool game and hopefully Wednesday's."
