Who is John O’Shea? The versatile Manchester United hero who once played as a goalkeeper

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Manchester United defender John O’Shea was perhaps one of the most underrated defenders in the club’s history.

John O’Shea was a reliable servant at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson as the Irishman could slot in across the back four and even into midfield if needed.

Alongside O’Shea, Wes Brown was another United defender who proved to be a very reliable and effective defender for the Red Devils.

Here is everything you need to know about the United legend, who has now turned his hand to coaching since his retirement.

When and where was John O’Shea born

O’Shea was born in County Waterford and grew up in Ferrybank, which is located in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish defender was born on the 30th of April 1981.

When did John O’Shea join Manchester United?

Similar to Brown, O’Shea was brought into the United fold in 1999 and grew to become a reliable asset under Ferguson.

O’Shea would go on to make 256 appearances for the Red Devils but scored just 10 goals in the process.

How many trophies did John O’Shea win at Manchester United?

During O’Shea’s 12 years at Old Trafford, the Irishman would be part of one of the most successful periods in United’s history.

O’Shea’s time at United led to five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, four FA Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

When did John O’Shea retire from football?

After leaving United in 2011, O’Shea moved to Sunderland in that summer, before then moving to Reading.

O’Shea would then announce his retirement from football in May of 2019 where he would eventually join the coaching staff at Reading.

What has John O’Shea done since retiring from professional football?

Since retiring from professional football in 2019, O’Shea has been taking on some coaching roles at Reading and indeed Stoke City.

As well as this, O’Shea was the assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland under 21s and was then assistant at Birmingham City, when Wayne Rooney was the manager.

After leaving the Midlands club due to Rooney being dismissed as manager of Birmingham, O’Shea was given the interim managerial role at the Republic of Ireland first team.

The former United man was capped 118 times for the Republic of Ireland and represented his country at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.

Does John O’Shea play darts

Despite having a namesake who plays Darts and was the 2019 winner of the World Masters, O’Shea does not have a career in darts.

John O’Shea playing as a goalkeeper for Manchester United

The Irishman was known for his versatility, oftentimes playing across the back four for Ferguson’s Red Devils, but the Irishman has also played as a goalkeeper.

During the 2006/07 campaign, which turned out to be United’s first league title in three years, O’Shea was tasked with playing in goal against Tottenham Hotspur with the Red Devils winning 4-0.

Edwin Van der Sar had suffered a broken nose during the dominant victory at White Hart Lane. Rio Ferdinand was originally tasked with going in goal but it was the Irishman O’Shea who went in between the sticks and got a clean sheet too.