Villa miss out on Europe on the final day

Aston Villa have missed out on a place in Europe on the final day of the season, after a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester United on 15 May.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in the first ten minutes at Villa Park, and Newcastle United pipped Villa to fifth place and the last UEFA Cup spot on goal difference.

A cruel end

Villa went into the game knowing a win would almost certainly secure a UEFA Cup place. But United, fresh from reaching the FA Cup final, started quickly and were two goals up inside ten minutes. Villa could not find a way back.

It was their first defeat in nine games, and it came at the worst possible time. Villa finish sixth, level on points with Newcastle but behind them on goal difference.

A remarkable recovery

Despite the disappointment, the season has been a success for David O'Leary. When he arrived last summer, Villa had only just avoided relegation, and in December they were in the bottom three.

Since then, O'Leary has transformed the team. Villa have been one of the form sides in the country in the second half of the season, climbing steadily up the table.

They also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, losing to Bolton Wanderers over two legs in January.

Young talent

O'Leary has put his faith in young players, and they have repaid him. Gareth Barry, Darius Vassell, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Gavin McCann have all impressed, and Juan Pablo Angel has been the club's leading scorer.

The Colombian striker, who became Villa's record signing when he arrived from River Plate in 2001, has enjoyed his best season in English football.

The chairman's challenge

O'Leary will now be looking to strengthen his squad for next season. The question is how much money chairman Doug Ellis will make available.

Ellis has been criticised by some supporters for failing to invest enough in the team, and O'Leary's predecessors have complained publicly about a lack of funds. The manager has so far kept his counsel, but he will know that he needs new players to build on this season's progress.

Looking ahead

Villa's supporters have plenty to be optimistic about. The team has shown it can compete with the best, and the young players should improve with experience.

The disappointment of missing out on Europe on the final day will sting, but many fans believe the club is heading in the right direction.

For O'Leary, who took Leeds United to the semi-finals of the Champions League, the target next season will be to go one better and secure the European football that eluded Villa this time.

Neighbours Birmingham City have also enjoyed a strong season, meaning both of the city's Premiership clubs have finished in the top half of the table.