Paul Lambert hails "great" Aston Villa performance in Manchester United draw

Paul Lambert has declared his satisfaction with Aston Villa's "great" performance after they battled to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Villa were forced to hold on for the final 25 minutes with 10 men after Gabriel Agbonlahor was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Ashley Young.

Lambert has said that he did not agree with referee Lee Mason's decision, but praised his side for their valiant display.

"I thought we looked great," Lambert told BBC Sport shortly after the final whistle. "I thought the goal was a world-class goal from Christian and the sending-off put us on the back foot.

"I didn't think it was a sending off to be fair. Ashley Young has said to Brad Guzan that he made the foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor. That was not a sending off, everyone in the ground saw that."

The point has lifted Villa up to 12th in the Premier League, five points clear of the drop zone.