With Chelsea losing at Manchester City on Saturday, it was an ideal opportunity for the Red Devils to close the gap on the Blues at the top of the table and it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson is regarding Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Bolton as a point gained rather than two points lost.

Nani struck midway through the first half to cancel out Zat Knight’s early opener, while Michael Owen scored with practically his first touch of the game to get Manchester United level for a second time at the Reebok Stadium after Martin Petrov has struck seven minutes earlier.

Coming back twice was in stark contrast to some of United’s previous matches this season where they have relinquished two-goal leads. This happened against Everton, Fulham and Liverpool, although Sir Alex Ferguson was glad to see the boot on the other foot.

He told Sky Sports: “In the first half we should have done better but we did well to come from behind.

“The second half was very even. Bolton were a real handful and our chances were reduced but we must take credit for coming back again.

“It shows a bit of character.”

While Owen was on the scoresheet again after a brace at Scunthorpe during the week, it was another underwhelming performance from Wayne Rooney, who lasted just an hour of the match before being placed by Federico Macheda.

The England international did appear to pick up an ankle injury and it’s possible that Owen will line up alongside Dimitar Berbatov when United play Valencia on Wednesday.