Manchester United Player Profiles : John O’Shea

Filed under: Manchester United Football Club, Manchester United Players

The young Irishman John O’Shea has been with United for some time now. A graduate of the illustrious United Footballing Academy, O’Shea signed professional terms with United in August 1998 and made his first team debut just over a year later, away to Aston Villa in a Worthington Cup defeat. After making a number of appearances for the reserves, John was loaned out to Bournemouth in early 2000. He returned from Bournemouth only to be shipped out on loan again, but this time to Royal Antwerp.

2002-2003 was the break-through season in the Irishman’s career as he establish himself into the first team. With the squad hit by numerous injuries to defensive players early in the campaign, John was forced into the limelight earlier than Sir Alex planned. However, all the Old Trafford folk were highly impressed by his excellent performances,versatility and high standard of technical ability.

O’Shea was able to play at left, right back or in the centre of defence. United fans were amazed at his talent for pulling off swerves and step-overs and he was particularly effective down the wing in an attacking role. This was especially true in the 6-2 win at Newcastle. By the end of the season he had played in 52 games and become a solid fixture in the Reds defensive line-up.

Season 2003-2004 was a difficult second season for John with expectation’s now a lot higher than previous. And with Rio Ferdiand’s suspension causing havoc amongst United’s defenders his form took a dip. Yet the Irishman remained a regular in the first team tarting 32 league games and scoring twice.

The following year O’Shea found his left back position under pressure from the new arrival Gabriel Heinze. He had to make do with more appearances as sub, although coming off the bench he scored with a clever 20 yard lob in the 4-2 win at Highbury over Arsenal. The Irishman also found himself playing in central midfield as a defensive holding player. O’Shea reverted to defensive duties for season 2005-2006 due to the injuries that ruled out both Gabriel Heinze out and Wes Brown. By the end of the campaign with the arrival of Vidic and return of Brown, the Irishman was back in the midfield holding role forming an unlikely but surprisingly successful central partnership with Ryan Giggs. Only Rio Ferdinand played in more games that John O’Shea last season.