Vidic thankful for red card escape

Though Villa were awarded a fifth-minute penalty converted by James Milner, manager Martin O'Neill called it an "inexplicable decision." Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel said his team were "hard done by."

What was Vidic's take on events?

"It was definitely a penalty," the smiling Serb told Reuters.

Should he have been red carded after tugging Agbonlahor's shirt and bringing him down with an out-stretched leg? "I need to see the TV to judge. Then I can see better," he responded.

Vidic was adamant that his side bossed the encounter overall despite the narrow 2-1 scoreline.

"After the early goal we played some good football. At the end of the day we had more chances," he said.

Part one of a potential United treble safely negotiated, Vidic cannot wait to challenge for more honours in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"There are big games coming so today was a good start," he said, dashing to catch the team bus.