Manchester United Verdict

Martin O'Neill was absolutely thrilled with the effort and commitment of his claret and blue troops as they earned a deserved draw against Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United.

But the Villa boss pulled no punches after admitting his disappointment that Nemanja Vidic wasn't punished for a challenge on Gabby Agbonlahor in the second half.

MON told AVTV: "If you had said to me after the Middlesbrough game that the next two matches would yield four points, I would have been delighted.

"I thought it was important to battle very strongly and we did that well. We could have nicked it at the end but we also had moments to endure ourselves. Overall, it was a very hard-fought draw.

"We were spirited and resilient. The players are doing splendidly and putting a big effort into the games.

"The last two matches have pitted us against the very, very best. United won't be too far away at the end of the season. They have so much movement, such creativity and good players.

"It was a great effort against them and I am so pleased with my players. They put a big effort into the match and if we had been beaten it wouldn't have been through a lack of effort."

On the subject of the tussle between Agbonlahor and Vidic on the hour mark, O'Neill added: "It was a penalty. You can see it back and consider if it was inside the box or outside the box. But it wasn't just that.

"The decision is a massive one because even if it is outside the box, it's a foul. And the player, having committed the foul and as the last man, has to be sent off.

"The referee chose not to give it. I thought it was too big for him. I thought the consequence of the decision was too big for him.

"It was a major moment. He had a hold of Gabby throughout the move. I can understand the referee being hesitant about giving the penalty but not about giving the foul.

"It was a goalscoring opportunity and the consequence should have been Vidic being sent off."

Source: Aston Villa media