They also stayed top of the table, by a single goal from Manchester City, allowing Ferguson to reflect on another job well done from a team that has dropped just two points at Old Trafford since the start of last season.

“Our home record has been fantastic for two seasons now,” said Ferguson.

“This was not a good performance but we were gritty and we never gave in. That is a fantastic quality to have.”

Ferguson admitted United could have fallen behind just before Anderson’s opener, when Anthony Pilkington nipped in to rob Antonio Valencia just outside the home box.

But after Pilkington had rolled his shot narrowly wide, United seized the initiative when Anderson powered home a close-range header before Welbeck turned in Park Ji-sung’s cut-back for his fifth goal of the season.

“I don’t expect Anderson to score with a header,” said Ferguson.

“I felt we needed someone to get hold of the ball up front. Danny Welbeck did that – and he also got another goal.”

Ferguson also explained his decision to select Anders Lindegaard for his Premier League debut in preference to normal goalkeeper David De Gea.

“It was an opportunity to play Anders,” said Ferguson.

“He is going away with Denmark this week but probably won’t play, whereas David is likely to play twice for Spain’s Under-21 team.”

With England’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro looming on Friday, Fabio Capello will have noted Wayne Rooney’s return from a minor hamstring strain and Ferguson confirmed Ashley Young will also be available for the trip to Podgorica.

“Ashley has got an ankle knock,” said Ferguson.

“It wasn’t worth the risk with him but he should be OK for England.”

With 19 points from their opening seven games, United have reason to be satisfied given the difficulty of the fixtures they have faced.

A trip to Liverpool and a blockbuster derby with Manchester City loom immediately after the international break, so there is plenty for the Red Devils to look forward to.

However, Norwich were worthy of at least a point, with Pilkington hitting the post part of a succession of decent opportunities.

Asked if he felt his side deserved more from their trip to the north-west, Canaries boss Paul Lambert replied: “Yes, but that is the game. If you do not take your chances, they can come back to haunt you.

“Manchester United are one of the best sides in Europe. They scored eight against Arsenal not so long ago.

“If you switch off for a millisecond they will punish you.”