John O’Shea showed potential to be a brilliant player when he was lad, megging Luis Figo when he was at his best. He had surprisingly quick feet for a big lad and was confident on the ball.
Sadly, O’Shea has never fulfilled that potential, but his attitude has seen him rise in popularity at Old Trafford. His goal in the final minute in front of the Kop also helped.
It is clear to see that he loves playing for United, celebrating the goals we score like a fan and speaking highly of the club at any given opportunity.
Whilst O’Shea would be able to cut out a career at most other Premiership clubs, he prefers to play for United, even if his appearances are less frequent. Today, he has gone on to emphasise this point.
“You could say a game here is worth two elsewhere but it is more than that,” said O’Shea. “I want to challenge myself, both in matches and in training every day and I want to improve my game. That is why I am here. As long as the manager keeps me as part of the team that will do for me.”
Whilst O’Shea’s attitude is appreciated by us, I do wonder whether it’s the right attitude to have. What should be more important – playing football or playing football for the right club? Phil Neville has done really well for himself since leaving his boyhood club, being named captain of Everton, something which wouldn’t have happened if he’d stayed at Old Trafford. Does that mean he’s in a better position than someone like O’Shea, who will likely spend the rest of his career on United’s bench?
Regardless, I believe players like O’Shea are very important to the club. Players who are passionate about the club and are willing to sacrifice playing time just so they can pull on the United shirt are needed in the days of such mercenary footballers. They give you that extra bit of fight and dedication that no amount of money can buy.
Do you think O’Shea would be better off elsewhere?
Without I doubt I believe he would be better off elsewhere for himself. But as a united fan I think its great to have such a utility player who can play left back, right back, centre back and in defensive midfield.
If he does move elsewhere who’s to say he would be starting every week there lol
wen johnny goes marchin down the wing. . .
No,if he moves to another team he won’t be successful.O’Shea is a very important player for united. He’s one of the most important substitute we have.He can play in midfield and defense (don’t forget he can play as a goalkeeper too:-) He can replace every player when there is someone injured so i think that Ferguson should not never ever sell O’Shea
He’d be a starter at most other EPL teams; but he’d never taste victory in any meaningful way. O’Shea clearly believes that it’s better to be a small fish in the biggest pond rather than a BigTimeCharley for Sunderland or West Ham. And, he’s perfectly correct in that assessment of his situation.
I don’t think Phil Neville wanted to leave but Sir Alex thought it wasn’t fair on him to keep him as a purely squad player at age 28. It’s also the case that if Phil hadn’t left, it is unlikely J O’S would be the established squad player he is today.
I think he will probably be a United player for the next couple of years at least, but will be told to leave by Sir Alex in order to further his experience and have a more meaningful career. This will also allow new blood to come through from the youth set up. I think Kieron Lee could have become a similar type – versatile, fairly talented, loyal – had J O’S and Fletch not been already established
We need him, He, Park and Fletcher are the utility players we need when chips are down, he’ll be a starter at clubs at Everton, but he’s chosing to limit his career at Man Utd, good moves fo us fans, i guess he thinks its better for him to get 25+ odd games per season + medals than a starting position without winning anything. I mean, the guy already has more EPL medals than all of liverpool’s defense, midfield and their keeper too