But United’s struggle to finish off Derby last Saturday has provided a timely warning ahead of Bolton’s visit that nothing can be assumed, even when top-of-the-table are playing third-from-bottom at home.

Ferguson said: “There are big games coming up and Liverpool is one of them, especially when you consider Chelsea are playing Arsenal on the same day.

“But when you see what happened at Derby on Saturday, not taking our chances, you realise you can’t take anything for granted. Sure, there are big weekends ahead, but the other matches are just as important.

“If we perform well and take our chances then we’ll win the match against Bolton. But it’s important we respect our opponents.

“Some of our football recently has been terrific and there’s good penetration in the team. It’s encouraging that we’re making so many chance – perhaps the forwards just need to relax a little in front of goal. Then the goals will come.”

United are level on points with Arsenal, with superior goal difference, and the Bolton match is their game in hand on the Gunners, so slip-ups at this stage of the season will be immensely costly.

Bolton are also one of the few teams to have beaten United this season, courtesy of a Nicolas Anelka goal at the Reebok in November.

Ferguson said that Wanderers will miss Anelka’s goals now he is at Chelsea but the fact they have been dragged back into the battle against relegation means that United will face an even stiffer test tomorrow.

“They are fighting for survival and any team fighting for survival have to fight. That’s the name of the game,” said the United manager.

“I thought they had got themselves clear of trouble but in this league if you lose a couple of games you are back in the mix.

“Everyone expects Derby to go down, Fulham are the next one and then it is a scramble. You’ve got a lot of teams down there. ”Obviously they are missing Nicolas Anelka’s goals but they have Kevin Davies up front and he will do everything he possibly can to unsettle us.

“He’s a physical lad and we have to deal with that but I think Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have the height and ability to do that.”

Ben Foster is on course to keep his place in the Manchester United goal as Edwin van der Sar’s groin problem is likely to keep him out again.

Although Tomasz Kuszczak is available after serving a one-match ban, Foster’s excellent performance on his debut against Derby should persuade Ferguson to keep faith with the 24-year-old.