Solskjaer spared United's blushes More photos from the Reebok

Bolton had taken the lead through Bruno N'Gotty but, not for the first time this season, they could not see it out to the finish.

"There is plenty of evidence over the years that we can find something when we need it. We did that again and got a point," said Ferguson.

"Bolton were well-prepared. They were a handful but, with all the experience they've got in their side, they were always going to be a handful.

We've played four times since they played their last game Sir Alex Ferguson

"We found them as well prepared as they could be. They were looking fresh.

"We've played four times since they played their last game and that's a lot of football. They've been in Dubai sunning themselves.

"We didn't deserve a point but we managed to dig something out of a difficult situation."

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce found the late goal hard to stomach after a similar situation in the previous encounter with West Brom.

"We are showing how to shoot yourself in the foot on a regular basis in the last minute of a match. It's total dejection," he said.

Match report: Bolton 1-1 Man Utd

"We didn't see this game out. If we don't eradicate this soon, it is going to cost us a place in the Premiership. That's how serious it is.

"You've got to see the game out for the three points when you've got the opportunity to do that.

"If I could say it was Manchester United's brilliant play then I could accept that.

"That's as well as we have played all season up until the goal. We haven't dominated a game for long spells like that.

"My players are all heroes, it is just so disappointing to come away with one point when we should have had three."

Allardyce felt they should have had a penalty early in the match when Ivan Campo was bundled over by Brown.

"There was no excuse for not giving that, Campo was clearly wrestled to the ground," said the Bolton boss.

"But it's the old story of a small club like Bolton coming up against a side like United."