The win over Bolton moves United five points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit, but after Jonny Evan had been sent off, a win looked unlikely.
That was until Dimitar Berbatov’s goal two minutes from time, a strike that proved decisive as the Red Devils capitalised on Arsenal dropping two points in a 2-2 draw at West Brom.
“We have had five massive games in the last couple of weeks,” said Ferguson. “It has been a hard programme and the lads deserve a lot of praise for that.
“This was not a 100% top performance from us but we never gave in.
“That is what the character of this club is all about. No other club in the country has got that.
“We are fantastic at gritting our teeth and getting something out of a dead situation.”