Darren Fletcher praised the way Manchester United were able to "grind out" victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The win took the Red Devils back to the top of the Premier League.

Fernando Torres gave the visitors a fifth-minute lead, only for Wayne Rooney to equalise in controversial fashion, tucking home the rebound from a penalty given for a Javier Mascherano foul on Antonio Valencia which had started outside the area.

In a second half of few clear-cut chances, Park Ji-sung headed home the winner after an hour when he came through a crowd of bodies to finish Fletcher's superb cross.

The Scotland international hailed the character of Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who are chasing a record fourth successive championship.

"It was a difficult game, with not much football played," Fletcher told Sky Sports.

"You want to win the title with flowing football, but sometimes you have to grind out results and show character - that is what we did."

Fletcher maintained referee Howard Webb was right to give a penalty.

"I definitely thought it was a foul," said the United midfielder.

"He was pulling Valencia and the contact with his legs was right on the edge of the box.

"The keeper saved it, but Wazza (Rooney) is so composed that he was able to tap it in afterwards."

United returned to the top of the table, ahead of Arsenal by two points, with Chelsea, who still have a match in hand, set to face Blackburn this afternoon.

"The team which puts the most consistent run together will probably be champions, and we are making a good fist of it," Fletcher added.