Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised his side’s spirit following their 4-3 Premier League victory against Newcastle.

The Red Devils snatched the win in stoppage time at the end of the second half, as Javier Hernandez volleyed home.

United had trailed on three occasions during the 90 minutes, and Fergie was delighted with the mettle his team showed to draw level each time and eventually claim the win:

"Once again they've proved their courage, they never gave in, down three times and came back three times and eventually they deserved to win the game.” He told Sky Sports.

"The third goal was a killer to us I couldn't believe it, the third goal was a kick in the teeth.

“But they never gave in, that's the quality and they kept making chances. If you keep making them, you're bound to score some of them. And eventually we did."

With second placed Manchester City suffering a shock home defeat at the hands of Sunderland, the Old Trafford side hold a seven point advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Although the Scot refused to suggest his team are favourites to finish top of the pile, he did admit that it was an important result:

"Never mind where we are at this moment in time. That was a championship performance tonight.

“Absolutely unbelievable."

Newcastle took the lead on three occasions through James Perch, a Jonny Evans own goal and Papiss Cisse.

But, United replied with goals from Evans, Patrice Evra, Robin van Persie and Hernandez.