John O'Shea

[Crosby87]

Everyone on Man U cant make crazy money. That's where he comes in, a good, solid, cheap player.
Will he be captain of Ireland after Keane?

[Colbert Report]

O'Shea is the perfect squad player. He can play anywhere along the backline, including goalkeeper. This negates the need to dress two defenders and a goalkeeper. Instead, Ferguson wastes only two out of seven possible subs on goalkeepers/defenders. Don't underestimate this. It allows him to put another winger/striker on the bench. Gives him more options than most teams.

O'Shea must be on more money than most players that are playing for Stoke, West Brom, Reading, etc. Surely?

[elroy]

[QUOTE=Colbert Report;1096525]O'Shea is the perfect squad player. He can play anywhere along the backline, including goalkeeper. This negates the need to dress two defenders and a goalkeeper. Instead, Ferguson wastes only two out of seven possible subs on goalkeepers/defenders. Don't underestimate this. It allows him to put another winger/striker on the bench. Gives him more options than most teams.
QUOTE]

Good point but crucially JOSH always put in a decent performance for united in whatever positions Fergie plays him. He is not going to change a game or be instrumental but what he does he does well. For united he is largely very consistent and reliable.

[Razors left peg]

[quote=Colbert Report;1096525]O'Shea is the perfect squad player. He can play anywhere along the backline, including goalkeeper. This negates the need to dress two defenders and a goalkeeper. Instead, Ferguson wastes only two out of seven possible subs on goalkeepers/defenders. Don't underestimate this. It allows him to put another winger/striker on the bench. Gives him more options than most teams.
QUOTE]

Good point but crucially JOSH always put in a decent performance for united in whatever positions Fergie plays him. He is not going to change a game or be instrumental but what he does he does well. For united he is largely very consistent and reliable.

As he has for Ireland under Trappatoni

[Colbert Report]

Serious question: How do you guys think O'Shea would fare if he was played in place of Darron Gibson in one of the two defensive midfield positions Trappatoni likes to play? Personally, I'd rather have someone like O'Brien in as a central defender and push O'Shea into the midfield.

[NeilMcD]

No I think we have found the position for O Shea for Ireland that works. Where did O Shea get us playing him in midfield Disaster at home to Switzerland, Away to Germany also. He is not a natural central midfielder and his partnership with Dunne is looking good. We conceded easy goals in the last campaign and we are not doing that now.

[dr_peepee]

Serious question: How do you guys think O'Shea would fare if he was played in place of Darron Gibson in one of the two defensive midfield positions Trappatoni likes to play? Personally, I'd rather have someone like O'Brien in as a central defender and push O'Shea into the midfield.


I think he would do alright in that role.. I wouldn't move him from centre half though.

[Noelys Guitar]

I think he would do alright in that role.. I wouldn't move him from centre half though.

He is probably the best player we have at this moment in time. Very impressed with his recent performances for United and Ireland. I would love to see him tried in midfield again for Ireland at some later stage when we have real competiton for places in the back four.

[Dr. Ogba]

I thought he did ok in that role away to Germany (pretty sure I was the only one who thought so at the time) but as said above you would be needlessly changing a settled back 4 in order to accomodate this so its prob a no go...

Edit: 1000th post :eek: I really need to do more work....

[Stuttgart88]

I thought he did ok in that role away to Germany (pretty sure I was the only one who thought so at the time) but as said above you would be needlessly changing a settled back 4 in order to accomodate this so its prob a no go...

Edit: 1000th post :eek: I really need to do more work....I thought he was ok in Germany too, first half especially. I couldn't believe the extent of criticism he got. I think he could do ok from time to time in CM but he's too careless in passing to be trusted there. His partnership with Dunne is the best we've had in about 6 years so it's best left alone. As Neil said cheap goals aren't being conceded now.

[Stuttgart88]

congrats on the 1000 Doc.

[limerickblue]

Its simple we need O'shea at centre back, he is finnaly lookin comfortable there, He might be Uniteds fifth choice centre back, But for Ireland he is definatley number 2, Yes i would but him ahead of O'Brien. My Ireland Lineup would be: Given

Finnan(if fit) Dunne O'shea Kilbane


Mcgeady whelan Reid Duff



keane DOYLE

[BaZmO*]

O'Shea is the perfect squad player. He can play anywhere along the backline, including goalkeeper. This negates the need to dress two defenders and a goalkeeper. Instead, Ferguson wastes only two out of seven possible subs on goalkeepers/defenders. Don't underestimate this. It allows him to put another winger/striker on the bench. Gives him more options than most teams.

O'Shea must be on more money than most players that are playing for Stoke, West Brom, Reading, etc. Surely?


Good point but crucially JOSH always put in a decent performance for united in whatever positions Fergie plays him. He is not going to change a game or be instrumental but what he does he does well. For united he is largely very consistent and reliable.
As a squad player O'Shea is invaluable. He might not give you a 10 out of 10 performance in every game. But in almost every position he plays (and that's quite a lot) he'll give you a solid 7 most times.

Considering that there are a lot of players out there that get their game week in week out can only manage a 5, and that's only in one position, their are very few managers out there that wouldn't have O'Shea in his squad.

[Scram]

As a squad player O'Shea is invaluable. He might not give you a 10 out of 10 performance in every game.

But in almost every position he plays (and that's quite a lot) he'll give you a solid 7 most times.



Yeah, I bet you'd like a solid 7 from him alright :p ;)

[BaZmO*]

Yeah, I bet you'd like a solid 7 from him alright :p ;)
Haha! Brilliant! :D

[ofjames]

I think John has been a class act for Ireland this season and has really been defensively solid for united for the last 2 or 3 months. Another very good performance tonight against inter as well.

After 3 or 4 years where his career seemed to stand still, I think he's showing increasing signs of maturity this season and beginning to justify all the faith ferguson has shown in him during his career.

United fans are much much happier with him now aswell, moreso than has been the case eversince his outstanding breakthrough season.

Well done John i'd say!

[Stuttgart88]

People have been banned from this site for far less :)

[irishfan86]

He's was okay tonight, and made some crucial challenges- he was especially good in the air.

I still think he's a centre-half playing at full-back. He is confident but uncreative in possession which means he will never be more than cover with United (good thing their full-backs are made of glass!).

[drummerboy]

Thought JOS had a great game tonight and I have criticised him in the past. He has, at long last, matured and is beginning to fulfill his early potential.

[Razors left peg]

Im a massive fan of O Shea and have been for a while but I think what has stood out for me about him recently is the aggression he has added to his game.

[irishfan86]

He had an alright game, and he's been solid for us and United all season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

I'm not entirely sure he should have been player of the year, and if Inter had punished him for his brutal giveaway at the top of the box we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[Razors left peg]

He had an alright game, and he's been solid for us and United all season, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

I'm not entirely sure he should have been player of the year, and if Inter had punished him for his brutal giveaway at the top of the box we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Yeah you're right, we shouldnt get carried away about an Irish player that is performing extremely well at one of the biggest clubs in the world

[L37Ultra]

http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=5213&highlight=john+o+shea

[shakermaker1982]

I thought he was excellent last night as well. Only one error which didn't prove costly (letting the Swede sneak in behind him - wasn't offside but I'm glad the flag went up!) but he was Man Utd's best defender last night. Full back is his best position IMO and maybe we can utilise him there for Ireland one day.

[magnumpi]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.

[gustavo]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.
I agree I think footballers should be banned from smiling and even laughing for a few seconds the day after losing a big football match as it shows without doubt that they care not a jot about playing for their country. Perhaps if we had some kind of smile monitor someone who could volunteer to keep an eye on the players facial expressions , this would sort out the commited from the mercenary

[livehead1]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.
That doesn't mean fu*k all. I've seen people laugh outside churches after funerals when chatting away, different people have different way's of dealing with different scenarios. It doesn't mean he wasn't hurting the same way everyone else was.

[BaZmO*]

What was Bill on about last night saying that it was reported in some paper that the fans at Old Trafford weren't happy with him? Surely the opposite is true this season?

[elroy]

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.

Ah come on, when you said you had a story i thought it was actually something. In fairness how many of us have come back from Ireland games depressed after a result but still would get a laugh every now and then on the way back for one reason or another. Bit OTT in fairness.

Billo said he read it in the guardian yesterday. He was on form last night, hilarious when he made one of his rambling points and Gilesy turns to him and goes Im not sure what your asking Bill. Priceless.

[Den Perry]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.

would you cop on

[gspain]

I thought O'Shea had a great game last night. He had to cover also for Ronaldo who didn't track back.

[an_ceannaire]

What was Bill on about last night saying that it was reported in some paper that the fans at Old Trafford weren't happy with him? Surely the opposite is true this season?


Been to OT 4 times this year, the local fans cant abide him. They call him "Joke"
Oh no dont tell me Joke is on, dont give it to Joke etc. He gets more abuse from the Stretford End than some of the away sides players. Your not fit to wear the shirt is another he gets, not from the masses mind, but a pretty large minority. He is less than popular thats a fact

[ifk101]

Really couldn't care what the "fans" at Old Trafford think. As long as he performs for us, as he has done under Trapattoni so far, I'm more than happy.

I thought he had a nervy opening last night but recovered well and put in an overall solid performance.

[Dr. Ogba]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.


hmm i was fierce depressed after both the Slovakia and Czech games a couple of years back but still proceeded to head out, get blind drunk and have a great night....guess that wouldn't make me much of a fan by your reckoning then eh?

[geysir]

At least it makes you out to be a depressed man who associates a time being blind drunk with a great night?

[DeLorean]

hmm i was fierce depressed after both the Slovakia and Czech games a couple of years back

That was Johno's fault too!!!:D

[Dr. Ogba]

At least it makes you out to be a depressed man who associates a time being blind drunk with a great night?

well drinking to forget your problems is a good thing right????

[geysir]

Until the morning comes :)

[paul_oshea]

i've never liked john o'shea for the following reason, but agree he has shown improved form. but he has never replicated the attacking threat he showcased when he first broke onto the united scene. united fans say he was cursed the day pete boyle sang the song about johnny marching down the wing, as he has never done so since. also known as john o'pie in some circles but has done a bit about his weight recently.

STORY:

Basle Airport - The day after we've lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in the final game of qualifying for Euro 2004, and that has ended any hope of qualifying.

All the players are at the airport, some kind enough to pose for a few photos. All look sullen, and downbeat. Matt Holand looks as if he could burst in to tears. Even Robbie Keane is looks crushed. Brian Kerr looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

But there is none other that John O'Shea - solely responsible for us conceding the first goal, laughing his head off at something he has just said to someone, and smiling all the while as if nothing has happened.


Anyway, lets hope he has matured and that playing for Ireland means a bit more to him now.

that reminds me of conor oshea in the rugby against england at landsdowne when he kicked it out over the sideline really stupid and just didnt care like. funny how things stay in peoples memories though!

[OwlsFan]

Been to OT 4 times this year, the local fans cant abide him. They call him "Joke"
Oh no dont tell me Joke is on, dont give it to Joke etc. He gets more abuse from the Stretford End than some of the away sides players. Your not fit to wear the shirt is another he gets, not from the masses mind, but a pretty large minority. He is less than popular thats a fact

Well obviously Ferguson doesn't agree with this assessment. O'Shea is almost becoming a regular in the side and is a very useful utility player. To call him a "joke" or "not fit to wear the shirt" is way ott. Had a reasonable game last night but was exposed on the flanks once or twice from the highlights I saw.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Well obviously Ferguson doesn't agree with this assessment. O'Shea is almost becoming a regular in the side and is a very useful utility player. To call him a "joke" or "not fit to wear the shirt" is way ott. Had a reasonable game last night but was exposed on the flanks once or twice from the highlights I saw.
That's not the view from most fans at all this season.

http://www.redcafe.net/f6/has-oshea-won-starting-place-inter-match-236258/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/evans-oshea-237480/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/does-john-oshea-237498/

[John83]

That's not the view from most fans at all this season.

http://www.redcafe.net/f6/has-oshea-won-starting-place-inter-match-236258/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/evans-oshea-237480/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/does-john-oshea-237498/
Here's a video from that first thread of him nutmegging Luis Figo (I assume from the recent CL game):
zKCwyTsScAE
A lot of people on that thread are less than enthused about him, though the dissenting voices are much more muted in the second and third threads.

[jbyrne]

That's not the view from most fans at all this season.

http://www.redcafe.net/f6/has-oshea-won-starting-place-inter-match-236258/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/evans-oshea-237480/
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/does-john-oshea-237498/

most fans posting on forums havent a clue

[John83]

most fans posting on forums havent a clue
A fair percentage of those in the stands don't have one either.

[jbyrne]

A fair percentage of those in the stands don't have one either.

one and the same probably

[The Fly]

My view on O'Shea is that he had/has latent ability as a player but never settled on a position and thus his development stagnated.
He became basically a 'jack of all trades and a master of none.'

[musicinmouth]

I thought he was fantastic against Inter Milan. He stopped their attacks again and again. He is clearly very fit and his passing was great (except for one awful pass at the start). I thought he was one of the best players on the night.

[Scram]

I thought he was fantastic against Inter Milan. He stopped their attacks again and again. He is clearly very fit and his passing was great (except for one awful pass at the start). I thought he was one of the best players on the night.

Really! he was given a 6 by sports journalists versus 7s and 8s for the other Man U defenders. He started terrribly. Again, he is not a central defender.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I thought he was fantastic against Inter Milan. He stopped their attacks again and again. He is clearly very fit and his passing was great (except for one awful pass at the start). I thought he was one of the best players on the night.

A little hyperbole there surely? He did well to recover from being skinned by Ibrahamovich a few times start of the second half and regain his composure but fantastic is stretching it.

That said, he's having his best season in years (since his first probably) and long may it continue.

[jbyrne]

Really! he was given a 6 by sports journalists versus 7s and 8s for the other Man U defenders. He started terrribly. Again, he is not a central defender.

their opinion counts no more than anyone elses. had a fine game but sure some on here will never let up on critisising him. most countries our size would love to have one of their defenders playing regularly for probably the best club side in the world.... but oh no not us miserable sods

ps. he was playing full back on tuesday