Norwich City 1 Manchester United 2: Giggs’s timing perfect to seal late United win

After falling behind to a close-range header from Paul Scholes on seven minutes, the Canaries rallied and forced David de Gea into a string of fine saves.

The United goalkeeper was finally beaten seven minutes from time by Norwich captain Grant Holt.

However, that just served to spark the Red Devils into life as Ashley Young’s goalbound effort was blocked and Danny Welbeck somehow missed a free header from two yards before Giggs ensured a fairytale finish when he stabbed home to keep United on the tails of leaders Manchester City.

“I have to say we were lucky, in the sense Norwich had more promise about them. I thought we were lethargic, too casual on the ball,” said Ferguson.

“Then when we lost the goal, we played brilliantly. That tells you something about the temperament, they do not get nervous and started to up their game, so that augers well for us.”

Ferguson, who confirmed duo Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley were ruled out of England’s friendly against Holland on Wednesday through illness and injury, added: “I think the players were probably a bit embarrassed with the chances they missed, they know they should have done better during the game, and that is irrespective of Norwich being the better team.

“Norwich deserved a point and it was a great goal they scored, but at that moment you saw us as Manchester United.”

Giggs, 38, admitted it was a “real honour” to mark his 900th game with the winner.

“It doesn’t get any better,” he said. “Norwich put up a great fight but we didn’t really play very well. We started the game really well, scored and took our foot off the pedal and Norwich caused us a lot of problems. But I think if you look at the last 10 minutes, we probably just deserved it.

“We have been in good form recently, gone to some tough places over last three or four weeks and got some great performances. Today was more about the result.”