A few months in to the season, after Rafael da Silva started playing regularly at right back, I was frustrated that the manager had started John O’Shea there for so much of the season. Rafael was great going forward and tenacious in defence, whilst O’Shea just seemed to bumble along, doing his job.
That’s the thing with O’Shea, the player who was once tipped to reach great heights, who once said he was unprepared to have his position chopped and changed, and who once nutmegged Luis Figo, he never fulfilled the potential we thought he had, but he always did a job.
He isn’t first choice in any of the positions but he’s reliable enough in all of them. I’d rather not see him in the midfield and we have better players than him at full-back, yet when we have an injury or need to rotate to rest our players, he’s a great stand in.
He’s experienced and has played in massive games, whether that be against our fiercest rivals, in European Cup semi-finals or cup finals. There’s no occasion that could overwhelm him and that wealth of experience can’t be bought. Looking at the current squad, only Ryan Giggs has more appearances for United than him.
O’Shea has been at United his whole life and knows as well as any the “United way”. After losing the presence of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Wes Brown in the dressing room, I don’t think it would be wise to lose another one. Whilst I can’t imagine that O’Shea is the most authoritative member of the team, he sets an example like any of our old boys do and I don’t think that can be underestimated. Whilst Sir Alex Ferguson is an obvious constant in our recent glory years, we shouldn’t overlook the fact we’ve always had homegrown talent in the team too. We’ve got young players coming through but they’re not there yet. It’s important to have players like O’Shea around.
Finally, it’s hard to avoid the sentimentality in keeping O’Shea at the club. I won’t pretend that I don’t feel attached to the Irishman for irrational feelings about his attitude towards the club and the length of time he’s spent here. Sir Alex recently said it was hard to avoid sentimentality with his players and that he had struggled to tell Nicky Butt and Phil Neville it was time for them to move on. Whilst not wanting to criticise O’Shea, I believe those two players had bigger aspirations than him. They both went on to captain the clubs they left for and put first team football ahead being a United player. That is fair enough. But in the last five years, I’ve never got that impression of John’s priorities. He has been our utility man, played when needed, where needed, and seems happy to do so.
For United to accept the offer for him will obviously have made him think though. Why that offer from Sunderland was accepted is still beyond me though. Our available full-backs are Evra, Rafael and Fabio, with the latter two struggling to ever play 90 minutes. Jonny Evans plays at left back for his country and did a good job in that position against Chelsea last year, but that defensive role is not usually required from a United full back. O’Shea is far superior to Evans in that respect. There is also the possibility of Smalling playing at full-back and he does enjoy to get forward, but again, he’s not as skilled as O’Shea in this position and I wonder what the merits are of watering down his natural ability in the centre of the park.
So, with the pitiful amount of money that was accepted for Gibson, Brown and O’Shea from Sunderland, a total of £12m, will the club be planning on buying another full-back? That would certainly soften the blow of losing O’Shea and at least make more sense of the decision to sell him, but it still wouldn’t justify it for me and honestly, I can’t see us spending cash on a full-back when it’s looking like we’ve still yet to splash out top dollar for a world class central midfielder. If we were to spend, would we find an experienced full-back for a few million quid who was happy to play if and when? It’s unlikely.
Both Niall Quinn and Steve Bruce have said a deal for O’Shea is close though, so this was probably written in vain, but I will be genuinely gutted to see John wearing another club’s shirt and hope there’s a last minute spanner in the works.
Man Utd News 24/7
Spot on – decent defensively and always there to “plug the gap”.
Passing ability is always at question.
Best moment when scored the winner agaisnt L’pool a few years back.
UNITED 20/4/12 – 2012
To answer the question, because we love the guy and therefore I am too gutted to see him go.
Another end to another era….. If you do leave JOS, best of luck to you my friend, always loved you in a United shirt and I truly hope you would excel in another
Because he scored a winner in front of the kop. Top lad is O’Shea.
Like I said, you can make an argument for Sheasy staying at the club. He can occupy the two fullback positions and fill in at CM. He’s on decent wages, so maybe that’s a factor. Also, we might have someone lined up for cover. We did try for Varane from Lens. Out of Brown, Gibson and O’shea, the latter was the most surprising name in that list. Alas, the manager knows his squad better than us.
Kings
What about the fourth at Highbury?
Guys,
Has it ever occur to you that this transfer is for JOS best interest?
Remember what SAF said about P. Nevilles departure:
You come to a point when you are not able ti see into the eyes of your player telling him again he is not starting..
I think this is what happenning regarding O’Shea’s case.
Couldn’t agree any more with this article. And I also share the same sceptisism that even if JOS is sold, we won’t bring in another full back.
Here’s the thing about Smalling. There might be a time when he has to fill in at right back. But what happens if Rio is injured for the same game? It’s my opinion that we should focus on making Smalling the new Rio instead of turning him into a utility man.
Well said Scott!
Could not agree with you more. Sorry to see him go. His seniority and experience will definitely be missed by the younger players.
Def agree Scott when you put it like that, be very sad to see him go
I don’t get it, either. With the departure of so many veterans, surely there’s a strong case for John to have been kept on for at least another year or two.
The Irish connection has always been big with United…. Best, Keane and Irwin but to name a few..
Mind you I had a soft spot for a certain nutcase who goes by the name of Whiteside
I think Fergie would love to have Oshea at the club for life, however is doing the right thing by him!
Personally i think he is making space for New players who are going to be more effective than Oshea, although he struggled with injuries he didnt offer much last season going forward and was always used to fill a gap.
We have Smalling, Evans, Fabio, Rafeal and Jones all who can adequately fill the gaps left by oshea! It would be criminal not giving these guys playing time for oshea!.
I am gutted to see him go. But like you’ve mentioned scott we have evans fabio and even gigs who can slot in at left back and we have smalling, fabio, rafael, fletcher and even tonyv who can all slot in at right back.. Personally I think its time to go and reece brown, ritchie de-late maybe even tyler blackett will be brought forward into the first team squad the following year.. There’s no point having yougsters there who are good enough but will never be given a chance. So personally I believe this is the reason why the gaffer is selling him! But I like many more will be gutted to see him leave!
At least we know that he’ll do United massive favours next year. Last minute winners against City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal. Imagine it now.
Modern day legend. Top man. Best of luck to him.
(Now let’s go for Leighton Baines)
I really don’t understand why we would let him go when we’re losing so many experienced players already (1995 syndrome), he’s never any hassle and extremely versatile – surely one more year at least to see how Jones and the other younger lads develop……
Excellent article.
Would be sad to see him leave the club. Always rated him highly… Not because he’s the best footballer out there but simply because he can play nearly anywhere on the pitch and always was there when players where injured or needed a rest. He always does the job be it in defence or in midfield.
Too much memories about him… That winner against liverpool. That beautiful chip against Arsenal in 2005. The Figo nutmeg. Goalkeeper O’Shea vs Spurs. That lucky goal against Copenhagen.
I just hope he stays, although it seems unlikely.
CedarsDevil – Of course mate. An exquisite chip over that clown Almunia after a delicious pass from Scholes. The Liverpool goal was the stand out one for me as it was in the last minute in front of the kop and turned a 10 point lead into a 12 point lead over Chelsea.
Will be a sad day to see O’Shea go but it’s going to happen.
He needs to be starting and I can quite easily see him captain Sunderland.
They have got a bargain with these three players.
Hope you all have great careers in the North East.
30 pretty much seems to be the cutoff for a United squad/role player. I’d rather think that Sir Alex is doing him a good service in allowing him to find a quality role with a decent Prem team which will give him more time on the pitch and could extend his career longer than he’d probably get staying at United.
I love Sheasy. Hate it when people talk him down. Swiss army knife, even a pretty darn good keeper!
Kings
Agreed buddy, that goal at the Kop end has to stand out….
Speaking of Irish players, Kevin Moran anyone? If ever there was a fucking nutcase then surely he will win first prize…..
btw, are we replacing him with Emilio Izaguirre?
The other thing is that Oshea has only recently signed a new long term contract. And for big money. Why have we made such a quick about turn? The only reason that I can think of is that Sralex intends on playing Jones at fullback this year. Thats all thats changed recently. If thats the reason, I’ll thank Oshea for his service over the years. When its time, its time.
i can’t believe oshea is leaving
I’m sure there was similar things said about Phil Neville, when he left the club. John will move on and so will we. I know one thing, Sunderland are getting a bloody good player. A much better player, than some on here, would have you believe. Good luck Sheasy. Thanks for your winner at anfield. At the kop end lol.
CedarsDevil – Don’t forget Paul McGrath, could have been the greatest centre half to ever play for us if it wasn’t for his major drink problem.
Still one of the best defenders I’ve ever seen.
John O’Shea is a red. Very sad to see him go. Still has years of service.
Replacing JOS requires 2 signings not one. First, he has the maturity to fill in in a CL final. Second, he can and has filled in 9 different positions including keeper by my count. The man is a complete all rounder that is very hard to find in a lad of his size. I personally would still take JOS over either of the twins at FB and over Evans in CF in a big game. Just don’t see the logic in this. Hope John goes and takes a look, then comes home to fight for his position. Rip up that contract offer and tell Brucie he can have you in 2 years time, contingent upon the requirements of SAF.
Great servant to the club gutted to see him go , shame he didn;t make a move to celtic.
Good luck John you have done us proud
Do any of you guys think O’Shea wants to leave? Or do you think a bid has been accepted and he’s been told first team opportunities are limited?
Off topic – anyone else having trouble getting ROM from Blackberry? KE having issues…
Good article and its always sad to see a loyal servant move on,its back to in sir alex we trust he must be aware of all the points STR made and I’m sure more attached to the lad then any of us.We all know sir alex isn’t a idiot and its not for the money because of the small transfer fee,have to assume he’s got things figured out
byron1970
How can I forget Paul, class defender he was….. However Moran has a soft spot in my heart
I still dont see selling oshea benefits united in the new season. You look at united’s defensive options for the new season, with brown and oshea sold, de laat ol loan, we are down to
Rafeal fabio ferdinand vidic smallen jones evans evra
It is not a great deal of options, if jones smallen and evans have good seasons, then it could make up for the departure of oshea, but if the da silva twins have injury free season’s, then the problem is solved. But ferdinand’s injury record is a worry
willierednut – I thought selling P neville was a bit of a mistake, has he is a good player in the middle, could have helped us out in the amazing season where we had no central players to chose from, apart from scholes for half a season, and fletcher
Think need to reinforce wing-back area, I assume that O’Shea want to play first team football at some where else otherwise, there is no reason Fergie allow to leave O’Shea.
It is not easy task playing for Utd, endless pressure to win every single game. I cannot imagine how players can cope so much pressure. I feel nervous before some exam but Utd player keep taking huge exam week in week out for years.
CedarsDevil – Moran would put all defenders who turn their back on the ball to shame. This guy would run head first into the post if it meant stopping a goal. No fear, as brave a defender as you’re ever likely to see.
it brings a tear when i think of the possibility of Sheasy leaving. never the star, never the most influential but most a blow to the squad to lose him. he does a wonderful job. a great article in which i share the sentiment, losing Wes is bearable, understandable but both him and O’shea seems a little much. there will be too drastic a change in the squad and and may not help the team. what makes us the success we are now is the consistency and stability in the squad. i hope that to remain.
however The Man has his plans. In Fergie We Trust
@ fergie is the boss
Brown made maybe 5 appearances all season. He wont really be missed. Hes a good player but you know what I mean. So all we need is a player to replace Oshea and weve already signed one in Jones. Add to that the fact that rafael, fabio and evans all had injuries last season, and thats unlikely to be repeated as theyre all youngsters still.
Fletcher can fill-in at right back and if you notice/remember, United can play with three at the back (Evra, Rio, Vida) with Carrick sitting in front of them…then you have Rooney, Young, Nani or whoever is playing on the flanks to track back.
United have to reduce their wage bill to accommodate for Young, Jones, de Gea, an increase for Chicharito and a possible fourth signing of the summer.
Surely SAF has spoken to Wes and John, told them what his plans are with them and if they are comfortable with the plans. SAF will have fought tooth and nail for Wes and John if they 100% wanted to stay and be roll players.
Senior squad players are now…Giggs, Rio, Fletcher, Wazza, Evra, Vida, Carrick. The players from the 90s are leaving and unfortunately good times fly by…keep calm and carry on lads.
The truth is that it isnt really Sir Alex’s style to sell long serving players even if we may not really need them. They provide experienced back up. So even though I think Sir Alex intends playing the youngsters next year [its rafael and fabios fourth season already and least season showed theyre ready for the step up], I still think he would have kept him.
Maybe Sheasy doesnt want to be next year’s wes brown?
Thinking out loud….I’m sure the boss played Valencia at RB last season for half a game or two…when we had defenders on the bench – maybe he has options we don’t know about..
o’ shea s the perfect example of a squad player.the player u rely on to give an Ok performance every match n doesnt fuck up. he has filled up whatever position he has been asked to. who can forget his nutmeg against figo or the sweeping tackle as a keeper against spurs. he will be missed.
I love this guy, O’Shea has always been one of my favorite players. He never gripes or moans about when or where he plays and though sometimes he is not always spot on with his play he does come through when you need him.
My favorite play he ever did was step up in goal against the Spurs and made those two hilarious saves.
He even earned himself the nickname “The Cat.”
He will be missed. Great article.
@FITB
On paper it’s 8 defenders. Should be enough, but it really isn’t for me. Only 3 of them are natural full backs, the other 5 aren’t as versatile as O’Shea was (I don’t think Jones has ever played at full back) and there are injury doubts about Rio and the twins. Not to mention that Vida and Evra have played a lot of games in the last 5 years and it’s bound to catch up with them at some point. So yeah, it doesn’t make sense to me either.
sorry i couldnt finish reading the article, i am too busy dancing with joy
O’shea . 3 moments will stick in my memory. We all know them and spoke of them already,
Brown.. not bothered about him, it showed he was going this year with his game time , done us good over the years. good luck Wes.
Has there been this many players leave/retire in one summer?
He played on the left,
He played on the right,
He played in the middle,
He played up front,
He played in goal,
that boy sheasy will make ya look shite
Dibils – Who’s your team?
I’ll so fucking gutted if he really goes.
FITB – A mistake? Don’t agree mate. It suited both parties at the time. Very similar to sheasy. Phil could play the 2 fullback positions and in midfield. It’s tough seeing players leave, but I’m sure it’s even tougher for the manager. He’s had some of these lads for a long time.
1.98
1.91
1.85
1.88
1.88
1.91
1.91
1.81
1.81
1.91
1.85
1.85
1.88
1.91
1.93
This is the height of the past 15 united keepers. What stands out. VDS at the top and Schmikes at the bottom. Lows for #1s are Barthez 1.81 and Carrol 1.88. If Fergie made a mess of keepers in the post Schmikes era it was in size. He learned his mistake and hence we were never going to work with another GK under 1.91 or thereabouts.
de Gae has it all. Good on the ball, superb poise, very quick, and tall (1.92). We need to keep that in mind when he lets one in on wet day up to Sunderland. He will be quality if we keep him. We just need to work on a great chant and get behind the lab. Think pulling on the United shirt will be all he needs to step as high as we need him to step.
John Oshea is a great man. United,don’t let him go.
**lad**
Zibbie – if you are here please go back to the Scholes/Rooney thread to clarify
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8621278/Arsenals-Samir-Nasri-set-to-demand-a-move-to-Manchester-United-when-he-meets-Arsene-Wenger.html
Apparently, we made a 20 million bid for Nasri weeks ago. Arsenal never made the bid public. Fits in with all we’ve been hearing. He wants United move. Just getting Arsenal to sell him, will be the main problem. Mark Ogden is usually spot on with his articles. Time will tell though.
Said it before, now I’ll say it again: more than any other club, we play a squad game. We don’t have a “first 11″. At most, we have a “first 5″ (VDS/now de Gea, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Rooney). To be a ‘squad player’ at United doesn’t mean the same as at other clubs. At other clubs, a squad player is someone who’s not quite up to standard. At United, a squad player is someone who is up to standard.
To play the squad model in the way that we do, makes extraordinary demands on the players. They have to get used to working without set combinations, because with very few exceptions, there aren’t any. They have to get used to working with different formations. And they have to be prepared to put the team’s needs before their own — it’s no small ask. Many of our guys would be automatic first-choice players in many other teams. Here, they must get used to sitting on the bench, putting up with the media and fans who see them sitting out and draw other conclusions about what means; they must keep their egos in check, and find a way to keep their confidence high.
Squads like ours can’t work without guys like JOS. Like a few others on here, I’ve stuck up for him when others slagged him off, not because I think he’s a great player (in truth, he isn’t), but because “he can a job”, for the most part he does it reliably, and I can imagine how difficult it would be to keep *our* squad system functioning without guys like him. If it’s best for him to move on, then so be it. But his contribution should be applauded. He is the definition of an “unsung hero”.
willierednut – I hope it does, but in the 2005/06 season we could have done with phil in the engine room, better than alan smith in that position.
Thye Nasri situation reminds me of what we went through with Heinze. Still can’t see Arsenal selling him to us.
Willie … the same article has some interesting comments from Rene Meulensteen about Sneijder, too (right at the end):
Should United succeed in signing Nasri, it is likely that their long-term interest in signing Inter midfelder Wesley Sneijder would recede. But Rene Meulensteen, United’s first-team coach, has admitted that Sneijder would be ‘perfect’ for United.
Meulensteen said: “Sneijder would fit perfect here. He is the most ideal player for us that I can think of. The new Paul Scholes does not exist, just as there is not a new Roy Keane, but I cannot think of anyone more perfect for us than Sneijder. I don’t know how his future is at Inter, whether he is allowed to leave and whether we can pay him, but purely on the basis of his ability, I would say ‘Get Sneijder’.”
What’s interesting, apart from what he actually said, is the fact that he has come out and said it. I am not sure what to make of that, but I can’t imagine he made the comment without the prior approval of SAF. Hard to think that Meulensteen would just speak “out of turn”.
off topic… this one is changing tack everyday… united snoods next season?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8621278/Arsenals-Samir-Nasri-set-to-demand-a-move-to-Manchester-United-when-he-meets-Arsene-Wenger.html
Top lad our John. Good squad player. 29th in all time list of appearances for man u. Under estimated by many but not by the real fans. Will not read about JOS in the Sun!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember was injured for a lot of last year but he will bounce back/
Costas – What if Nasri only wants United? Nothing much whinger can do.
There’s a certain irony in the juxtaposition of this story next to the one about Liverpool’s Charlie Adam being a United supporter – didn’t O’Shea support Liverpool growing up?
Anyway, good article which sums up most people’s feeling about big John. It’s sad to see him go, but time waits for no man. I doubt we’ll miss him at all tbh.
It would have been great for John to finish his career at United, but we have to fund this summer’s spending spree somehow, that’s why these squad players are being cashed in on now while they still have some value. Sad fact of life under Glazer.
@Zelh
By the same token, Heinze was desperate to join Liverpool, but ended up at Real Madrid. I think Arsenal and him will come to an understanding.
Costas – We’ll see. They sold Cashley, Adebayor, Clichy to direct rivals.
Beat ya to it Kev e lol.
I agree that its an awful lot of homegrown talent and experience leaving the club all at one time. If Wez and O’Shea do leave then I for one will be sad to see them go…….Gibson and his ‘row z thunderbolts’ on the other hand can depart as soon as possible. Regarding the options at full back if they do go, we have Evra, Fabio and Evans who can play left back and Rafael, Fabio and Smalling who can right back. Thats without Phil Jones, who I am sure can play at full back too. With that little lot supporting Rio and Vida, I think our options are quite good at the back.
Good luck to John and Wez…..and even Darron!
@Zelh
That’s the problem with Arsenal, lol. They don’t think City are their rivals or 4th spot. They still think that United are their main rivals.
@Steateside
Great post about O’Shea. Like I’ve always said, guys like him, Wes or Scholes are the heart of the team.
Um, Fred, last I checked it was Sir Alex who called the shots on who stays and goes not the owners. Letting someone ‘see out their years’ at OT has never been the gaffer’s MO, so what’s your point?
Reigning Champions, nailing quality new signings in all departments with more to come = HAPPY fact of life under Glazer.
Totally relaxed if O’Shea goes to Sunderland. He’ll always get a good reception back at OT but we need to bring through the next generation now. No room for sentimentality if you want to stay at the top. ‘Sad’ fact of life under SAF.
@Fred … “Sad fact of life under Glazer.” Don’t get me wrong — I am no Glazer toady. But the sale of these guys hardly balances the money that has been spent so far this summer. And it’s not just about money either — there are only a limited number of places available in the squad. I don’t mean the PL restriction so much, because I guess we would have had exemptions for Brown, JOS and Gibson as ‘home-grown’ players (but I can’t remember the detail of how that works, at the minute), but even with our heavy rotation, players need some time on the park, and ‘improving the squad’ not only means bringing new players, it also means cutting some loose. I’d argue that SAF’s ability to let players go has contributed as much, if not more, to his long record of success, as his astute purchases. Brown is clearly out of favor (which I do find sad), and while I backed Gibson when he wore our shirt, to be honest I couldn’t see him progressing much further.
Zelh – Nasri can force this move through. All he has to do, is tell wenger, to accept our 20 million offer, or we get him for nothing in January anyway. Simples!
Get me Sneijder! That is all.
Fred – that is very unfair on the glazers, it is about keeping the squad fresh and updated, has players get older they are moved on for the next generation. It is like food, cant keep certain food in the fridge it rots. The only player out of those squad players united should keep is oshea, because of question marks on the da silva twins, and Ferdinand’s fitness levels.and defenders like jones smallen and evans are not has flexible in different positions, it is a little of a worry.
willierednut – if wenger is has stubborn has fergie was with heinze, he wont be moving to united. I think wenger cannot sell one of his best players to united, he is already on thin ice with the arsenal fans, this will blow their small fues
Goodbye my friend.I will never forget that goal you scored in front of the kop.Legend
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/07/samir-nasri-manchester-united-arsenal?CMP=twt_gu
looks like the 20m have been rejected.
will the whole thing will depend on how much nasri wants to join.
and that’s where I start to doubt.
I always liked O’Shea abd if he had to go, it should be to Sunderland where Brucey will take care of him. Just hope when we play there he will be shitey & not score THAT Liverpool goal against us!
Noooo, I hate change but Lord Fergie never gets it wrong. So much change
No more seeing lads like; Edwin. Red Nev,Wesley,Big John O’sheasy, Ginger prince.
Also Hargreaves.
Guys like PIG, Gibbo are also certain to leave alongside fringe guys like obertan+Bebe.
Hopefully someone like Berba or Welbeck aren’t sold.We will compete in 4 competitions so they could all get game time.
I don’t see us signing more than 4 players.Its likely we will get a Midfielder, its reached a point that its so visible that its too risky to continue to play with carrick,fletch,ando,park & Giggs for another season seeing that we havent signed a Centre midfielder since ando (?).
I’d like to see Jonny Evans turned into a Utility player and also Phil Jones for a few games. I’d also like to Cleverley given more time time with Tunniclife gone out on loan, its a good move for him aswell.
@Rai
Regarding your “thinking out loud”
I actually thought the same thing about Valencia when Young was bought.
Stateside Aussie, of course it doesn’t balance it out but it recoups a chunk of it. Supposedly £12m for those three players, right?
Paul H is a strange one. Mention the word “Glazer” and he appears as if by magic. Very odd.
SORRY BERBA!
http://unitedbanter.blogspot.com/2011/07/sorry-berba.html
ill miss john and wes if they go.. both been united servants for a long time and both done a damn good job for us. also, i just like them as people.. the interviews they give are always good for a laugh.
Exactly! As you said at the end of paragraph 2, which sums it all… “but he always did a job.”
That’s the thing about these players, they always did the job they were entrusted too (remember Park Ji Sung everyone?). I would be gutted if OShea leaves, but best luck for him.
As far as the whole Nasri situation, it depends on who else we can force to become available, I don’t want him in our squad. He was great on some occasions but that’s about it. But I’d love to be proven wrong. What’s up with Sneijder? I hope there was some ground to this rumour.
Rewind.
‘If various rumours are to be believed, John O’Shea is on the brink of leaving Manchester United to go to the Steve Bruce rescue centre for unfulfilled footballers at Sunderland’
http://www.writtenoffside.com/2011/06/john-oshea-why-he-should-stay.html
I just have to remember his shockers to not miss John O’kay all that much. And let’s face it, the guys had some real Howlers.
Moving on. New squads. New possibilities..
Big John a fan favorite. And I’m a fan.
Agree, I can see we sell Gibbo and Brown but O’Shea should not include in that deal. He is too versatile and reliable to let go. And upon selling him, maybe the news about us buying that left back of Celtic is true then.
Marta > Adam
too many comments 2 agree wit ye all but as 4 his goals…kop end was simply sweet, 4th against da goons was jus classic! he cudn believe it himself but im sure that was more ta do with him wonderin was he onside or off! best of luck sheasy but il still see ya in da green of da republic! loyal player all his career which is rare but then again who ever wants to leave OT and take a step down!!
It just seems wrong. We love O’Shea, seeing him in another shirt would just be strange. He deserves to stay for at least another year, to smooth things over as we transition into our next team. We’ve got a wonderful young defence coming through but O’Shea should O’Stay for at least another year to play a few games, help with coaching and also add height to the fullback positions (the twins + evra aren’t exactly the biggest and he’s very useful against the physical teams) and give us experience and cover for injuries. Plus to give him a decent number of games, to captain the team in the cups etc. We’ve lost Neville + Brown two great right backs in their day with a good thousand appearances between them it would be a bad idea not to have the wonderful option and experience of O’Shea in the team to compliment what Evra and the twins give us. Plus he can play CB (people seem to forget this) and defensive mid competently enough. And he can weigh in with a few goals from time to time. SAF please don’t sell him!
@rai @23:15- spot on. exactly what I was thinking.
that keeps nani, young and valencia happy.
i still keep hoping gibbo wont be sold. somehow i keep thinking he’ll come good this year.
He will always be welcome at OT ,i believe Fergie is giving him the opportunity not to slip into obsucrity.We are trying to rebuild to not only match but overhaul Barca . The last thing we cant afford is to drag a squad around like Citeh or Liverpool that we cant trim/get a return on, and give our youth a chance . I wish JO’S the very best thank him for his efforts for us . He knows the UTD way, time to move on .
sorry, ive watch O”shea for a while now and he shouldn’t even get a shirt
I have no problem if we keep him, but I’ll be happy for him to be a definitive leader with Sunderland in the last few years of his prime. I think we’re covered for FB. In over 5 seasons with us, Evra is rarely injured, so by and large we have the twins competing for and as backup for RB. Also, if we ever find ourself in a crisis, Valencia can capably fill RB as well. As you said, we also have Evans and Smalling, who may not be first choice, but it’s unlikely we’d need to call them as full backs more than a couple times. Jones likely can play FB too since he’s proven to be versatile.
If John where to leave, would that leave a spot in the team for De Laet? He’s said he want to have a season with United this year, and make a claim for a spot in the first team, as a backup player. He did impress me two seasons ago.
As all of you say, will be surreal to se JOS leave. Always thought of him as a true Unitedplayer, because he would always shut up and do his job for the team when needed, where he needed to. And his song is great as well! But as someone else mentioned, I think it’s for the same reasons of those that Phil Neville left. SAF can’t stand looking them in the eyes and telling them they’re not playing.
Dean & Unmesh, I think that’s a possibility if needed. Obviously we have others to fill the void, but if needed TonyV would do a job as a RB.
Morning reds.
JOS leaving OT is a sad moment but life goes on.
Now we have players who can cover at least 2 positions.
The only worry is how many games Ferdi will miss thru injuries.
@Stateside, Great post regarding the United squad mate.
I will well and truly be gutted if O’Shea leaves. A large bunch of our fans constantly whine about his quality and that he is not upto United standards. But his loss will be felt during those Christmas months when the twins and Rio eventually end up on the treatment table and we sorely need a “man for all occassions” so to speak. Although the deal is closer to happening, I still would be surprised to see him go but I am sure the master has something lined up.
As for O’Shea goals, although the Liverpool one is a favorite given its importance to the title and the fact that it was scored in front of the Kop, nothing beats the Arsenal one for pure quality. As someone commented on the Youtube link to that goal, “When O’Shea scores, you know you’ve been given a spanking.”
In terms of options, I still think we’re looking at Jonny Evans being used as the new O’Shea. His best position is in the centre of defense but we’re still looking at someone who can do more than an effective job at the fullback position. He has decent ball control too which is an added bonus when playing out wide. So, I am guessing Jonny Evans is our future Mr. Versatile.
Regarding the Nasri situation, although the interest from us has shown to be real, I would be surprised if Wenger let him come to us. There has been an inkling of interest from Inter Milan although they did get Ricky Alvarez. If Inter are still interested, Wenger would try everything in his power to sell Nasri there.
People can argue that he sold Clichy to City, but, in all honesty, that was not really a loss so to speak. If he sells Nasri to United, that will mean that he is directly weakening his club and directly strengthening his main opponent. It would take some work to convince Wenger to let Nasri come to us.
The other option is that he remains to stay at Arsenal. They’ve signed Gervinho which is a good signing. They are looking to sign both Cahill and Vermaelen will be back next season. So, even with the loss of Fabregas, they don’t look in bad shape. Wenger may just convince Nasri that staying at Le Arse is not as bad as it seems and promise a few more signings too. That option should not be thrown out of the window just because Nasri seems to be whining at the moment.
@FletchTheMan @ 23:27, Great post regarding out GK situation.
Never been a big fan of OShea and many times I have uttered a groan under my breath when he lost the ball. But, funny is life, and over time I came to understand his value to the squad in terms of being Mr. Dependable, Mr. Versatile and Mr.United. Never imagined I would be so sad to see him on the verge of leaving us. Wish him all the best, and hope he leaves with good memories.
Like everybody else I wonder what that means for us in terms of RB/LB cover? I would also be gutted if OShea leaves and Nasri joins (not like for like of course, but you know what I mean). It would be almost symbolic of the degradation of class that the whole world is going through, and to which, I would like to believe United is immune.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/manchester-united
yes the 20 Mil has been rejected by Arsenal..
they want 25 Mil..
well if we (saf) has bid 20 already, then i have no doubt that we will up the bid to 25 Mil and seal the deal and beyond that it is not a possibility..
thats my opinion anyway
Jeet says:
“I would also be gutted if OShea leaves and Nasri joins (not like for like of course, but you know what I mean). It would be almost symbolic of the degradation of class that the whole world is going through, and to which, I would like to believe United is immune.”
Absolutely. Our team needs more O’Sheas and Browns and less Nasris. With loyal players like those 2 (as well as Scholes and Gibson) leaving, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find players in that locker room that truly bleed red.
Fred, It’s not strange, I just thought you were being a tad negative / unrealistic / unfair on this one.
He’ll thrive getting regular footy, as will Wes. We should be pleased for them both.
I find it hard to believe that of all the midfielders in the whole planet, we only see Sneijder and Nasri and Modric as potential candidates to solve our midfield dilemma.
It’s a tad negative isnt it?
Maybe O’Shea was content with being a utility man at United and he was happier in that role. No one can say for sure. Can’t see how this transfer benefits us, sorry. Not unless we have a full back signing in our plans.
@Costas: I ask you, how on Earth can we have someone who pulled Paul Scholes’s hair like a little bitch wear the Red shirt of United? HOW?
dmc313 – Fucking ignorant cunt. Have you even read the article. John is a top lad and a great servant. Will be sad to see him go but Fergie knows what he is doing. As some have said maybe Reece Brown may get a look in.
@Jeet
Who did that mate? Nasri? I can’t recall.
yes, that lesbian bitch…very good player, but he doesnt have in his heart what it takes to be a United player
@jeet.. Spot on Mate.. Just wish that twat Nasri would sign a new contract at Arsenal and stay there for the rest of his life.. He has got that bottler mentality written all over him..
On topic.. Hope SAF keeps O’Shea.. Perfect utility player..
Gud luck John O’Shea.First game up for him and Brown wud be the against the scousers.Hope they give it to those scumbagsGud luck John O’Shea.First game up for him and Brown wud be the against the scousers.Hope they give it to those scumbags
@Jeet
Ah, thanks. I didn’t remember that incident at all. Now I am even more opposed to him making the move, lol. And I hope we have other transfer targets in mind and not just him.
Would surely miss o’shea if he leaves. Its players like him who have often made the difference during crisis.
!
)
Every team goes through injury crisis at some point or the other, no club has had any player as versatile than him to fill in at any position on the field!!
And that Chip at Highbury, had rooney or ronaldo or messi or berkamp or henry done that, would have been a contender for the goal of the season. And for the winner at Anfield, O’shea you owe me a few $, for being the reason for a fracture in my hand and breaking my remote!! Oh well, you’ve compensated by giving that moment
( Hope the post doesn’t double up again
Off topic.. I have a sneaky feeling that we are trying to get Sneijder or Modric.. The reason for this is because the Young and De Gea deals were done and dusted at the end of last season whereas the crucial CM signing is taking a lot of time.. It could mean that 1) Talks are still going on with that player’s(Sneijder/Modric) club and agent and 2) SAF is planning to groom the yongsters this season and has immense faith in Ando.. If this supposed CM signing was of the “Chico” type (read: an unproven young player costing very little) then the deal would have been done by now and we would be ready for pre-season..
John O’Shea having medical at Sunderland
@Kings.. If it’s confirmed then goodbye Sheasy aka Mr. Versatile/Dependable.. Thank you for all the memories.. Hope you have a great career at Sunderland.. Another addition to the stealth United squad..
While I agreed with a lot of points that scott made and I wouldn’t mind we kept him for a bit longer. We are only looking at the perspective of fans. We don’t have insight into the manager’s mind about the youngsters at the academy. For example, I’m baffled we got Young who is a winger, and we have yet to get a central midfielder,the area that was fully exposed to world we are lacking in quality. But then I look at the academy and see the likes of Clevery, Tunnicliffe and Pogba, not to mention Morrison who could also play through the middle in a more advacing role.
So with regards to letting O’Shea go, I’m sure sir alex want to give the twins more playing time. We also have now-on-loan de Laet whom I thought may have no future given that Fabio is second choice after Evra. I hope will step up and meet the challenge. With regard to signing central midfield, seeing how Rooney played more deeper role and the signing of young while keeping Nani, Valencia and Park. I somewhat suspecting we will be playing more of a 4-3-3 with Rooney playing deeper role in the midfield. I still think we should sign someone prolific like Moldric or Schneijder with latter a great possibility. Sanchez is a luxury and although chances are slim I’d still love to see him at OT. He is quality player I do not like to see him with our european rival or local rival for that matter.
Another reason for letting O’Shea leave I suspect that, while he providing great cover for all sort of position, he has been around for awhile and command fair amount of wages. The fact that Financial Fair Play is coming into effect may make clubs less likely to keep established as back-up as opposed to academy reserves with low wage demand. In someway I’m glad to see this because our youngster will get more chance.
@kings
Confirmed?
I’m still living in denial. He was a wonderful squad player and didn’t really have a problem with being kept on the bench, so it doesn’t seem to make sense.
Anyway, goodbye Sheasy. I’ll never forget that wonderful chip against the Goons at Highbury (and the ‘how the hell did I do that?’ look on your face right after it)
Believe.
Skysportsnews is reporting that he is undergoing a medical at Sunderland.
Utd4life/dela – Morning chaps. Yeah Sky Sports News have broken the story that he is undergoing a medical at Sunderland. I agree, thanks for the memories Sheasy, your massive contribution to United will never be forgotten. How can people slate a guy who gave his all to the club, never moaned and was happy to be a bit part player. All the best to him and hope he has a great career at Sunderland. Couldn’t think of a better Manager outside United than Brucie to play for.
Press in dire situations –
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
Gutted about this. Moreover I don’t understand this move – the money is pitiful and in any event we need his flexibility in the squad.
Otherwise good to finally have a proper opinion piece from Scott again and some banter about somebody important to this club rather than all the transfer rubbish that’s been knocking around the last month.
@CJ7,
“Otherwise good to finally have a proper opinion piece from Scott again and some banter about somebody important to this club rather than all the transfer rubbish that’s been knocking around the last month.”
Well, to be honest, what else do you expect mate. It’s called “silly season” for a reason and there is little else to report about United in all fairness. Now that we are nearing proper pre-season and the team is going to start touring the U.S, things will start moving back to normal here.
Gutted. Truly a sad day and definitely what seems the end of an era.
i will miss you Johnny
Balaji – I hope you’re right mate…because there’s some proper pricks on here of late. You always come out with balanced arguments and I look forward to reading your comments. There’s a few who could learn from you
GNev, Scholesy, Wes Brown, Gibbo, Hargo and now Sheasy, all gone..All of them were proper Utd lads except maybe for Hargo.. Didn’t expect such a big clear out but guess the Gaffer has decided it’s time to move on..
@jeet
Totally Agree with you,I put no comments about John s issue,because afraid of many ture red accuse me,yes ,he’s mr versatile and I don’t forget his great moment with us,but he was decline much in last two years,the reality are so cruel ,if anybody can’t met our champion standard,move on are the best for both party.In John s case, he can have a good and longer contract from Steve b ,also can play regular football in his late carrier,I’ll thanks and wish him all the best.sorry for my poor English .
was never a fan of him
was never happy with his performances
was never happy when i saw him in the starting lineup
but how on earth can we let such a brave soldier go
While I can understand letting Brown and Gibson go, I do agree that O’Shea is a slightly surprising one. It’s not like he’s ancient – only 30 – and still offered great back-up in both FB areas and maybe CB if necessary. BUT, if part of the conditions of United’s little spree is to chip away at the wage bill, then the offloading of more senior players is understandable.
Taking stock of our defence next season:
Rio
Vida
Smalling
Jones
Fabio
Rafael
Evra
Doesn’t look too shabby. Not great depth, but real strength, plus the option of Fletcher or Valencia filling in at RB if necessary.
One more thing… I’ve seen a lot of people questioning the potential Nasri move by saying he’s undoubtedly talented but lacks the mentality. Do you not think this might be because of where he is? Three years at the nearly-boys of the Premier League is bound to breed self-doubt. Join a club of born winners, and I guarantee you he wouldn’t drop off like he did last season.
@kings
Agree with you on the Brucie part. I have developed a thing for Sunderland as well, ever since Keano turned them into our B team.
Having just 3 fullbacks is getting me worried though, given how injury-prone the Twins have been so far. I love them to bits, of course, but we still seem to lack cover. Suddenly that Chilean gimp from Celtic doesn’t seem such a bad idea after all.
Anyway, Fergie knows more than we do. For all you know, he could turn Tony V into the best rightback in the League. Unlikely,. I’ll admit, but Fergie has done stranger things in his time with us.
@kanchelskis, “Three years at the nearly-boys of the Premier League is bound to breed self-doubt. Join a club of born winners, and I guarantee you he wouldn’t drop off like he did last season.”
BINGO.
I am still skeptical about snoodface but this line hit the right chord with me. Playing with the players we have and under the greatest manager in the EPL is bound to have its effects on someone as talented as Nasri for sure.
The problem with the defense you listed is that three out of the 7 are constantly down at the Doctors. Their life revolves around recovering from injury, playing a few matches and getting injured again. That is the real worry in letting O’Shea go. What happens if we have another injury crisis like the one we had two seasons ago. Who is there to cover a variety of roles in any given situation if we sell O’Shea. From a financial point of view, letting O’Shea go makes complete sense, but from a footballing point of view, it doesn’t make a lot of sense at all.
@Rai, Thanks for that mate, much appreciated. I am doing great and I hope you are as well.
As What ??/Paul Parker repeatedly says, this is an open forum, if you come on and post about your love for United, read a few comments and ignore the banter between the regulars, this place is great. A few people having banter amongst themselves is common to all forums. Hell, I have been on many places where I see other people having all the fun. All I do is post my opinion and get on with it. If more people do that and just get on with business without an inkling of importance for what others have to say, ROM will be a much better place for that. This is just what I feel to be honest.
@Utd4life
What I find quite ironic mate, is the notion that Fergie wants to bring down the age average. Neville retired on his own, Scholes retired against Fergie’s wishes and Giggs stayed on for another year. None of them were asked by the club to hang their boots. So I really can’t buy the excuse that Brown and O’Shea are leaving because we want to move on. Seems like bs to me.
@denton davey – yes, but there is a thing. does he want to be here for a year or two and then struggle to find the good club for him at 32 ? if he wants, then i am of the opinion he should be kept in the squad bot in the expense of playing John ahead of the twins.
In Saf we trust.
So looks like Sheasy is gone. Not his biggest fan, once wanted to buy his jersey because i couldn’t buy in the fact that they always buy the hype once like Ronaldos and Rooneys.
But i should believe in what Fergie does. There should be an answer to the question why we let him go.
Another full back. Would have liked to have Baines but Evra is always the first choice. What can one do..
If SAF sanctioned a bid then he must see something in Nasri coz unlike Berbe he has seen plenty of him. In SAF we trust, hope the deal goes thru coz to challenge in 3 fronts we need depth in midfeild.
big fan of Sheasy, hate to see him go but part of management is optimisation and i just hope we are seeing some wage bill freed up for someone of proven top-drawer status
Balaji
Morning my friend….. Very good post however I for one enjoy some fun banter from time to time as well as engaging in some decent debates that go on here, its all part and parcel and that is why I love this place. At times I just like to share personal experiences with United and at others I just make completely irrelevant posts about nurses or mosquitoes! Not forgetting Meg and Nigella of course
good servant of the club. he deserves a chance to continue playing first team football. not sure if he’s a legend, but definitely a fan favorite. good luck o’sh!t
Costas
Morning buddy, personally I was not surprised that Wes was leaving…. Sadly since his fall out with the boss things were never the same…. There could of course be more to it than that so I guess we will never know…
I am surprised at JOS leaving, he brings excellent cover at the back at did play his share of games last season……. If only we knew what Sir Alex is planning, or even thinking!
Balaji Sivaraman
Glad you agree re. the Nasri/mentality thing. The other point that needs to be addressed is whether he will be happy moving to a deeper-lying role than he currently occupies at Arsenal, which is surely what Fergie would want to do with him.
Good point about injury-prone defenders too. Rio has natural cover in Smalling and now Jones, but it’s injuries to the twins that is the real worry. Mind you, with Young now here, and Park sticking around, moving Valencia to RB wouldn’t significantly weaken us in the advanced wide areas.
Dmc313
I’ve watched him since he started with us.
and he should
@Cedars
Hi mate. I wish I knew what he was thinking too. In Wes’ case, it’s probably what you are saying. But in O’Shea’s case, I can’t find any logic behind it. We are not spoilt for choice at the full back slots, it doesn’t look like we will buy anyone else and if 2 of our 3 full back get injured that means playing Fletch, Giggs, Valencia, Smalling or Evans out of position. Heck, right now we don’t have enough natural full backs to rotate with between league games and carling cup games.
byron1970 @ 23:05
Well said buddy, poor guy is also in the record books for the wrong reason! First player to be sent off in an FA final, mind you we still won it after a pure peach of a goal from Whiteside even though we were clear underdogs against Everton of all people! How times have changed
He was my favourite United player ever, will miss him. Hope he scores some more against the Scousers at Sunderland!
Morning Cedars, Costa, everyone!
@boogeyman
Hi pal. Hope you are well. He wasn’t my favorite, but he was definitely in my top 5. Sad day.
Perhaps shipping o’shea off will give other’s more chances, rafael and fabio need to sort out there fitness and get stronger, they’re far far more talented and if your gonna bang on about experience then you gonna get it if you keep playing regularly.
Fabio looked great against barcelona i thought, shows he can hack it at the highest level.
O’Shea MUST stay…
He is our child, he loves this club like true supporter…and if our stuff don`t consider him for playing , we should give him to edit the website…!!!
No matter what ,O`SHEA MUST STAY !!!
His presence in the team , his charisma , his funny speeches …are enough to keep him in the club…for the playing abilities and tactic opportunities Scot tell enough…
O`Shea MUST STAY !!!
Costa- Yes I’m good. How are you? I don’t know why I like him, I just do.
This club was not built on sentiments, if fergie thinks o’shea, brown e.t.c time are up, then they are.. they probably won’t make the bench if they stayed anyway, move on.
Have a look at this fellas and you will realize why I said a peach of a goal by Whiteside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbUoGm4lw0
Enjoy!
Charisma? funny speeches? is that o’shea your talking about or his twin.. don’t make me laugh, why should you stay at a club due to your great personality? this ain’t a dating show, get a grip.Charisma? funny speeches? is that o’shea your talking about or his twin.. don’t make me laugh, why should you stay at a club due to your great personality? this ain’t a dating show, get a grip.
Samuel – united WE stand
The club should never be run on sentiment and Sir Alex is the shrewdest in the business so I agree with you….. However for the supporters its all about sentiment….. Was it not a sad day for us supporters when the likes of Robbo, Cantona, Scholes, Neville retired? Or when the likes of Keano moved on?
@Samuel
If the club wasn’t built on sentiments, why were Scholes, Giggs and Edwin asked to stay at he end of this season? Brown’s time was probably up ever since he supposedly called Fergie a cunt, but I disagree about O’Shea. Any team needs a 4th full back.
No one has mentioned the goal O’shea scored against Arsenal in the CL semis in 09. An important goal in a narrow 1-0 victory that sent United towards a second consecutive final. Loyal servant, without any drama.
Valencia at RB should only be used in dire situations when we are chasing a game. Playing people out of position is never good and I don’t think Valencia is good enough defensively, looking at both the blackburn game and West Ham away.
@Samuel,
I agree with Cedars and Costas on this one. While you are fine with O’Shea being moved on, a certain populace of United supporters will not be. That does not mean they’re wrong or that they don’t see the practicality of the situation. It is just that they find it harder to accept and move on compared to people like you.
I was strickened with sadness when Butt and Phil Neville were sold. I started supporting United during their peak years and identified United with people like them – just like I do with people like O’Shea and Brown now – so I was obviously distraught when they were sold.
In O’Shea’s case, as we’ve argued over, it is not just a case of sentimentality. What happens if we have an injury crisis like the one we had two years ago? We used Fletcher and Carrick in the centre of defense and guess who we used out wide – Yup, you got it right, Mr. John O’Shea. That is the reason this sale baffles me. Another issue is that we’ve got no real indication of any full back being promoted from the Youth Side. Of course, I am not that familiar with the reserves, so somebody else maybe able to help me.
@Cedars, Oh yeah, I love the banter too mate. All I’m saying is that if the banter doesn’t involve you, then just move on to the actual debates and posts about United of which there are very many on this wonderful blog. There is no need to insult the people having the banter just because you are not part of it.
Cedars – you can’t those compare super talented players to john o’shea. Cantona, scholes were brilliant even when age was against them, with o’shea even at 30 and maybe in peak fitness, all you will ever get his steady ok performances, he’ll never improve and with the younger players, he will not make benches anymore.
I appreciate his loyalty and the job he did, he will be missed but personally for me, the team comes first and obviously the manager thinks they ain’t got anything to add to the team so have to move on, it happens.
Samuel – united WE stand
Not disagreeing with you, however each supporter has certain sentiments towards certain players and that is their right…. When George Best passed away I wept like a child, that is my sentiment…. Being a supporter is all about sentiments, however clubs are not run on emotions and that is where I agree with you…
Balaji
Fully understood, its just sad that we have so many juvenile attention seeking, jealous little cunts that post here at times
Costas – edwin, scholes, giggs stayed for there experience but more importantly for there talents, they’ve being brilliant into there veteran ages, they were contributing massively too until time caught up and legs can’t carry them anymore, they justified why they were in the team.
As for o’shea, brown e.t.c, they’d struggle to make the bench with the amount of quality defenders we have at the back.
we can always promote a youth player if its a 4th full back we want, i mean de laet ain’t doing badly is he? obviously they’ll lack experience but more games will cut that out.t.c, they’d struggle to make the bench with the amount of quality defenders we have at the back.
we can always promote a youth player if its a 4th full back we want, i mean de laet ain’t doing badly is he? obviously they’ll lack experience but more games will cut that out.
balaji – fair enough, not doubting o’shea’s reliability to the team, he has being a great servant albeit not a regular one but done with minimum fuss.
I think just like butt, phil neville, sir alex just can’t promise him games anymore and i guess he chose to move on to the wearside rather than play for the reserves.
You know sir alex, he probably has worked something out based on cover for injured defenders, he never makes decisions without deep thoughts.
and i’m not saying fans shouldn’t get attached or feel any sentimentality towards players, of course we can because its what fans do but i’m just basing my opinion around what’s good for them and what’s good for john o’shea.balaji – fair enough, not doubting o’shea’s reliability to the team, he has being a great servant albeit not a regular one but done with minimum fuss.
I think just like butt, phil neville, sir alex just can’t promise him games anymore and i guess he chose to move on to the wearside rather than play for the reserves.
You know sir alex, he probably has worked something out based on cover for injured defenders, he never makes decisions without deep thoughts.
and i’m not saying fans shouldn’t get attached or feel any sentimentality towards players, of course we can because its what fans do but i’m just basing my opinion around what’s good for them and what’s good for john o’shea.
Cedars – fair enough, like i said every fan is entitled to being sentimental, o’shea has being a good steady player at this club, he came through the ranks and stayed for years, won everything, he will be sorely missed.
Labelled as one of the most versatile players in the Premier League, it is understandable that a lot of fans, and no doubt team mates are sad to see him leave. Echoing Jeet I have to say at times I’ve groaned when he has given away possession, and even at times when I’ve seen him on the team sheet. Yet at other times I’ve been relieved knowing he was playing at right back as opposed to other players being taken away from their natural positions. He just got on with it. Bittersweet. At 30 I can see where John might be coming from and wish him the best of luck, but on we shall march.
@Samuel
I mentioned the 3 veterans because it was suggested that Wes and JOS are leaving to make room for the youngsters. Yet, we asked Scholes to stay around for 11-12 even though Cleverley was returning to the club and Gibson could have gotten more games under his belt.
I agree about De Laet, but he was sent to Norwich in order to get more match practice. So since he is obviously not ready yet, I didn’t see the harm in keeping JOS one more year around. It’s not like he was keeping anyone back or moaning about not playing often. I’ll wait until the US tour to see of Fergie has plans to promote any full backs from the first team, but I am afraid that once we are down to one full back during the season, we’ll have to play someone out of position. That’s why I don’t believe that JOS would have struggled to make the bench. If anything, I think he would have started quite a few games, simply because the twins and Evra can’t play every game.
@Samuel
Yes Samuel , great personality is very, very important in building team spirit …and making big results!
And of cores that we will be sentimental …we are UNITED ,our team is build on sentimental basic, our team becomes what it is today because of feelings .
O`Shea is a great lad -who loves the club, who grownup with the club, and who adds depths in the club….so i prefer him to stay more than to bring some new player from Africa,Brazil or Argentina – who may be 2 times better than Johnny .
We are United….and our power is not just in players abilities , we are strong because our mentality,history and cohesion !
O`Shea is a great lad ,and he deserve to STAY !
Morning Red Buddies
Keep it up
Balaji – Those long posts of yours have made me delirious
Now that its certain that O’Sheasy is leaving.
Who will play against the Chelsea’s, the stokies,the boltons, the kevin davis’s of the league?
We surely need tall defenders for the physical games, maybe jones & Evans & Smallings will be called upon those games to gain vital experience.
Im guessing Lord Fergie wants Rafael + Fabio to play now 30+ Games. The twins will need to step up because next season they will need the dicipline to control themselves because their will be no hiding place behind experience now that we’ve lost Nev, Brown + Big John.
Evra,fabio,smallings,rio,vida,jones,rafael,evans…Thats 8 but having 9/10 is more of a reliable figure in case of injuries maybe Reece Brown & Oliver Gill will get opportunites.Hasnt De Laet gone out on loan again to norwich?
Final question….Have we sold anyone yet?
Its funny. The amount on here that fucking moaned when he was on the teamsheet only to be gutted now.
Costas – Hello mate. Yeah it does seem strange and I understand your concerns (not like you mate!) but I am pretty sure Fergie has summat lined up. He wont leave us short. Perhaps Reece Brown could step up.
Top player, and we will be weakened to see him go just because of his versatility. Having said that, the Twins, Evans, Smalling and Jones will never fully kick on knowing that Brown and O’Shea are around. Its a safety net that needs to be removed for the youngsters to fully develop. Sad news, but so was GNev and so was Scholes. We’ll march on and never forget.
Its all about the Future now. All the best at Sunderland Pal.
Hi King Eric. It remains to be seen I guess. Whatever the case, I hope he is thinking about promoting one of the promising young full backs. I’ll will be really pissed of if we end up playing with Fletch, Valencia or Giggs in those positions. Same goes for Smalling, who has to start establishing himself as the anti Rio this season. Playing him as a right back will be a waste.
As gutted as I am that he’s leaving (always the case when a homegrown player does so)- I don’t think its the disaster people will make out.
I think Rafael and Fabio’s fitness and endurance will be a notch up next season. Let’s not forget that Fabio played a fair few 90 minutes towards the end of the season.
And I think Smalling is more than capable of doing a really good job at right back. It wouldn’t be “watering down” his abilities as a centre back, coz I’m sure the majority of matches he plays will be at CB. He’ll only be asked to play at RB when the twins are unavailable. He’s quick, strong, athletic- defensively really good and better going forward than JOS.
So I don’t think we’ve got any problems at RB- 3 players for that position (and I think Jones has played there too).
Slight possibility that we could have an issue at left back if Evra gets a long term injury. After him there’s Fabio and Evans- but as I said, I think Fabio’s fitness will greatly improve, and Fergie must think this as well. If Evans plays at left back, he’ll be very similar to JOS- defensively sound, not fantastic going forward- but if the full back on the opposite side is Rafael, Fabio or Smalling- we should be fine. Don’t always need to have 2 “fliers” on each full back position, otherwise how would big JOS have got so many games!
One thing that does concern me though- if reports are to be believed and we only got £3m for JOS- that’s a bump! Seriously undervalued IMO, I think we should be looking for around £6m, when you consider he has 3 or 4 years left on his deal, is only 30, and has a wealth of experience at the highest level. Honestly think that £12m for Brown, O Shea and Gibson is £3-4m short.
@WHAT ???
Hi mate. The other side of the coin to that, is whether the departure of Brown and O’Shea will make the youngsters more complacent. Competition is always healthy and I prefer player to be on their toes.
Too bad o’shea is gone. he was very important for team depth. very poor at the start of last season and at times i was very cross with him but i didn’t think he would get sold. he got a lot better in the second half of the season and returned to the o’shea we knew and loved.
As for Wes leaving i think Fergie might want to give younger centre backs more of a look- in this season. United have a glut of centre backs. evans , rio, vidic, smalling, jones. that’s FIVE at CB. so i can understand why Fergie let Wes go.
I can’t imagine O’Shea in any other shirt but ours to be honest. It just feels terribly wrong.
You can’t buy what oshea and brown are to united
fergie is fucking crazy is pissing me off why to sell o’shea for peanuts then we dont have big backup in terms of fullbacks/ its mad from fergie
Real shame think he could still be a good member of the squad
but if its a done deal all the best for the future always done a good job for us loyal and a good player
thanks for the memories
especially that last minute at anfield a few years back get in there
@King Eric at 11:19: Ok, I eat humble pie, happy?! Now stop rubbing salt into my wounds – as it is, I feel this big hollow in my heart…I never realized how sad I would feel when this day came, and I feel terrible for every time I groaned seeing OShea on the first xi list. It’s like when you fight within the family and sometimes say terrible things to each other, but its still family, right? You realize how much you miss them only when it’s too late. No Nev, no Scholes, no VDS, no OShea and no Wes Brown, Giggs’s time drawing ever closer to the end….the passing of an era. I only hope that the new era will be just as bright, just as red, and just as UNITED.
I am happy to see O’Shea go with so long left for the transfer window before it closes.
No right minded United fan can say with hand on heart that when the opposition went down their left that they weren’t worried about what O’Shea would do next. His distribution is and has been woeful.
Yes he filled in and was a “utility” player, yes he never whined about not playing regulalry and was a good “pro” but United deserve better.
Someone who has more technical ability and can actually find a player in the same coloured shirt over a distance of more than five yards.
I totally agree that he will always be remembered for the last minute winner against the Rat munchers but as the saying goes, the sun even shines on a dogs arse. He is not, was not and never will be of the quality that the shirt deserves and SAF knows what he is doing.
I trust that the squad will be suitably upgraded. This has been the best transfer window for us showing our intent for years and its only just opened !!
Now if we can do as Rene suggests and get the Dutch maestro this will have been just about the best transfer window EVER !!!
Made up about the new season and can’t wait to stick it to the Wastelands wasters in the Community Shield.
Roll on number 20.
@Costas – Easy mate.
True there is always a risk of complacency, but think about it, Fabio is a long way from keeping Evra on the bench, regardless of what people seem to suddenly think about the Frenchman, and Rio and Vidic don’t look anywhere near retiring.
So our back four still consists of Evra, RIo, Vidic…. and Rafa, who wants to kick his brother out of the RB position. That means Smalling, Evans, Jones and at least one twin are all fighting for places that are taken.I can’t see them getting complacent mate, the competition is too serious.
Its a safety net keeping GNev, Scholes, O”Shea and Brown. I’ll never forget any of em, but sentiment aside it makes sense to up the pressure on existing players. If anything GIBSON is the shocker, I think he should have one more Season to secure a place but that doesn’t look like its happening
sad to see them go.. bring on the newbies…..
Ireland’s Number 1! Ireland’s Number 1!
Please don’t go Sheasy, I still and will always love you! Top lad. Doesn’t seem that long ago I was choking on my ale reading an FA Cup team sheet including a midfield pairing of JOS and Darren Gibson set to take on an Arsenal side that, by all pundits’ accounts was poised to win the quadruple, again. Well, along with the Da Silva boys on the flanks, we got stuck in, did a job and made them eat their crow.
“He isn’t first choice in any of the positions but he’s reliable enough in all of them. I’d rather not see him in the midfield and we have better players than him at full-back, yet when we have an injury or need to rotate to rest our players, he’s a great stand in.”
Couldn’t find a more relevant example of why we need to keep Sheasy around. I’m almost positive it’s not a case of JOS handing in a transfer request but rather, as some have suggested, a case of Sir Alex no longer wanting to look into the player’s eyes and disappoint him again.
John O’Shea, staying or going will always have a place on my squad.
Personally, I think its more about wages than selling fees. 3million for Oshea is nothing, but consider that hes on a reported 80k a week. Thats too much for a player who will barely play next season. If he was on 50k per week we might have kept him as an injury crutch – thats IF he wants to stay as one.
so sad to see o’shea go. i really never got how fans could call him o’shite. such a wonderfully loyal player – mark my words. we will miss his type. such loyalty and devotion to united will be harder to come by soon. in my opinion, loyalty to the club is almost as important as that extra 10%skill.
John O’shea has been great for us. The guy has played virtually in every position at Utd. My favourite memory of him was him making a top class save against Tottenham’s Robbie Keane. He made sure we had a clean sheet that day. My very best to him.
Always liked him, even more than Fletcher a few years ago! Thought that he was a very useful player to have around, an automatic bench spot if not in the starting 11. Was always willing to forgive his not so good passing for everything else that he had to offer.
Wish him all the best, hope he continues sticking the odd goal in every now and then against the teams that matter!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMozQxcIh1A
the Nutmeg
o’shea….you’ll never beat o’shea, you’ll never beat o’shea! best of luck to johnny if the deal goes through
Hey Fred can you add like a Like button for comments LOL. Also I love this article and I agree with it 100%. We are losing Brown who is another club stalwart, but he doesnt play nearly as much as Sheasy.
Plz keep Sheasy Fergie and plz stay Sheasy -
It will be sad to see JOS go as it is to see big Wes go but SAF is clearing the decks for the next generation to come through. Its always sad to see loyal players leave who are part of the fabric of the club but I think the time is right for them to move on. As for buying a new full back, I dont see it happening, youth players will be given the chance and I think SAF will use Evans more as a full back maybe this year too. Times are changing but as we all know we will never die!!
RedDevil4Lyfe – always a pleasure to meet a fan!
Its confirmed, Sheasy is gone…..totally gutted….
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, a former United player himself, said he was delighted to sign O’Shea.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07072011/2/sunderland-sign-o-shea-brown-man-united.html
absolutely gutted to see sheasy go…hes been one of my favorite players for united ever (notice the name)…he played when and where needed and never complained once about it…he has united blood in his veins and his lose will be more immense than we think
i hope he does well with sunderland and wish him all the best
when johnny goes marching down the wing…..
After 3 years of using this name it looks like ill need to change it
I find it hard to accept. Im one of you all who feel he is not good enough for United. But he always did a great job, With him around when our players are injured, he gives me confident unlike PIG who always makes me nervous.
I fear that with so many experience players going out now, our squad might lose a bit of United ways of bond and such that it will affect the performance on field.
Lets hope we can get through this. For me, if we were to change, we had to change to match Barcelona. This is another level of the club and not getting worst. Lets hope for the best to come.
@Long John – Perhaps “Gone John O’Shea”? LOL only kidding. You should just keep the name.