22. John O'Shea
Friday, 05 September 08, 10:03 PM · Comments(0)
| Birthdate: | 30 Apr 1981 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace: | Waterford, Ireland |
| Position: | Defender/Midfielder |
| Appearances: | 292 |
| Goals: | 12 |
| Joined United: | 03 Aug 1998 |
| United Debut: | 13 Oct 1999 v Aston Villa (A) |
| International | Rep of Ireland |
Arguably United’s most versatile player, John O'Shea has played everywhere during his time at Old Trafford. And the triumphant 2007/08 season proved no different.
During the campaign, O'shea played at right-back, left-back, centre-half, central midfield and as a makeshift striker (against Reading on the opening day of the seaston).
But wherever he plays, United’s no.22 is happy to contribute to the team.
What’s more, the Irishman signed a contract in November 2007 that will keep him at the club until 2012. He said of his new deal: “It has never crossed my mind to leave.
Luckily the club wanted me to stay and the contract was sorted out quickly.”
O'Shea was outstanding in the 4-0 drubbing of Wigan and kept Francesco Totti in check in the 1-0 group stage victory over AS Roma at Old Trafford in the Champions League.
A shining example of selflessness and professionalism, John O’Shea has been ever-willing in his service for United, ever since his first full season in 2002/03 when he was was a
revelation at left-back. He raced up and down the wing, effortlessly picking the pockets of opponents who ran at him and cheekily nutmegging those who tried to stop
him (remember Luis Figo?).
When United bought Gaby Heinze in the summer of 2004, O'Shea had to look to other positions for regular action. He was always a footballing defender, blessed with beautiful balance, crisp
passing and formidable upper-body strength, which enabled him to slip effortlessly into midfield as well as anywhere across the back four.
In 2004/05 he played in all those positions, and in the following season he began to establish himself in the holding role in midfield – forming an unlikely but extremely effective
partnership with Ryan Giggs that was the basis of United’s
late-season surge. The Irish international continued where he'd left off at the start of the 2006/07 campaign, but soon had his chances limited by the burgeoning midfield partnership between
Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.
He still went on to make 49 appearances (including a cameo between the posts at White Hart Lane) and chipped in with five goals, the most memorable of which came at Anfield in March 2007.
Pepe Reina could only parry Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time free kick and the ball fell to substitute O'Shea, who coolly swept it home in front of the Kop to the delight of United fans
everywhere.
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