Ferguson Pleased To Hang On For Win

Last updated : 08 January 2004 By Mark Heys

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Bolton Wanderers for their performance against the Reds last night and he admits he was releaved that his side held on for a 2-1 win after a late Bolton onslaught.

"It was a pulsating game where we had to grind a result out, Bolton never gave in and were a real handful to play against. We had to do it the hard way." Ferguson said

United had goalkeeper Tim Howard to thank for a string of fine saves, notably from Jay-Jay Okocha and Per Frandsen but the Old Trafford supremo says he is not surprised at how Bolton have developed further this season.

"It is no surprise the results they have been getting as they have improved remarkably. I am very pleased. It is a good result and we were hanging on a wee bit but that's what we expected of Bolton. I really thought we would see the game out. That's why I took Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs off." he said