Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admitted his side was unlucky that Manchester United were not reduced to ten men early in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.

Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic was penalised for a challenge on Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor in the opening few minutes of the Wembley Stadium clash and although it brought about a spot kick which James Milner converted, Vidic was not even given a yellow card which O'Neill disagreed with as his side eventually lost 2-1.

"It was plain for all to see. It was an inexplicable decision. I don't understand it. It's a goalscoring opportunity. He's felled in the penalty area. It's straightforward from an otherwise fine referee who has got it wrong. It's as simple as that," O'Neill said.

"In a couple of days it's forgotten. We're losing finalists in a fine game of football, but it's a major point in the game.

"We played some really great football, some great performances. But you can't keep a team like Manchester United at bay all the time and they came roaring back in the second half."