Red for O'Shea could have left Fergie blue

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In the 62nd minute, O'Shea had been booked for bringing down Modric, and when he tripped the brilliant Croatian well inside United's half two minutes later, it seemed the Irishman would be dismissed.

Yet referee Chris Foy - who booked only three players - opted to show leniency.

Well though they played, Spurs always seemed to lack a genuine belief that they could beat United. Harry Redknapp's men found themselves in promising positions on several occasions, but did not show the ruthlessness required to make it count.

Had O'Shea been red-carded, however, it could well have given Spurs the boost they needed to go on and retain the trophy they won last year by overcoming Chelsea 2-1.

Both managers agreed O'Shea had been lucky. Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It was a late challenge and he could have walked, but the referee delayed his reaction."

Harry Redknapp added: "I suppose they should have been reduced to 10 men, but I can't say I want to see anyone get sent off in a cup final at Wembley."