Manchester United centre back John O Shea hopes to have an injury free next season
The full back has stated that he expects an injury free season with Manchester United, as the Red Devils aim to regain the coveted Premier League trophy. Many of the United’s first team defenders were injured during what the defender termed as “Dark December” and United struggled to win.
The Red Devils lost two matches out of their six, when they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at home while a devastating 3-0 debacle at Craven Cottage. Midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick had to play as make shift defenders, as Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and John O Shea were injured.
Had those losses not occurred, United may well have been the Premier League Champions, as they finished second to Chelsea, with only a single point separating the sides.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a lot of headaches regarding his defence line, as seven of his defenders were injured and therefore were unavailable for selection. Even Jonny Evans, Rafael, Wes Brown and Fabio had trouble with fitness during the season, and may have been one of the major reasons behind United’s seven losses.
Manchester United were also without veteran goal keeper, Edwin Van Der Sar, and had to settle for a second or third choice keeper. Only French Captain Patrice Evra played a full season, and was the player who played the most minutes for United last season.
Owing to this helplessness, Sir Alex had to deploy Carrick and Fletcher at the back. They both put up a commendable effort, as they were inexperienced in that position.
John O Shea was aware of the problems his club faced last season, and stated that the key factor last season were the injuries the squad faced.
The defender added that the Red Devils hope to avoid them in the coming season, and claimed that this was the first (and hopefully the last) time that so many defenders got injured at the same time.
The 29 year old praised his team’s ability to still end up second and just one point behind the champions, and his team his now hungry for the title.
"But we still got so close to retaining the title - only a few lapses of concentration let us down in the end. Now we are all hungry to succeed again.", claimed the Ireland International.
John O Shea is one of the many home grown players of Manchester United. Having already played over 350 matches for his side, the 29 year old aims to end up like Scholes, Giggs and Neville, who have all enjoyed long careers at the club.
O Shea is talented performer, who has the ability to play almost anywhere. He has also played as a striker in the 2007/08 season, and thus became one of the few players who have played in every position for Manchester United.
He has scored 15 goals for his side, which have been great contribution to his side. His goals have come at some really crucial times, and therefore has been a main stay in the Red Devils success.
John has the ability to play as a centre back as well as full back and can also play as a defensive midfielder. The 29 year old has good aerial ability, which enables him to defend in the air, as well as, have a shot at goal using his head.
This has inevitably earned him a starting XI spot at United, and O Shea is now counting the days for playing at his beloved club. United are aiming for a record 19th Premier League title, as they are currently tied on 18 titles each with Liverpool.
The careers of long serving players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are coming to an end, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also closing on his retirement. So the 2010/11 season is a crucial one for the Red Devils, who aim to lift the Premier League Cup one more time.
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