Man Utd fans reminiscing about the best and worst of O’Shea with Figo nutmeg and the ‘worst shot in history’
JOHN O’SHEA’S retirement has led to Manchester United fans reminiscing about the defender’s career at Old Trafford.
O’Shea, 38, has announced he will be hanging up his boots at the end of this season after 20 years as a professional.
The Republic of Ireland defender will finish off the season with Championship side Reading before calling time on his career.
When the announcement was made it was greeted with warm appreciation among the United fanbase – the club where he enjoyed the best years of his career.
O’Shea won virtually every club trophy available during his 12 years as a United player before he left for Sunderland in 2011.
The only major honour he did not collect was the Europa League – largely because United never competed in the competition when he was a player there.
While spending majority of time in defence at Old Trafford, O’Shea did come up with some memorable moments for the supporters.
One was scoring a late winner at Anfield as United beat rivals Liverpool, but by far the most popular was when he nutmegged Real Madrid legend Luis Figo in a Champions league game.
United posted clips of both incidents on their social media in tribute to their old player.
Another was O’Shea’s incredible chip against Arsenal, while others remembered the ultimate utility man’s spell in goal.
Fans were quick to praise the Irish legend.
Paul Cassidy joked: “Always surprised me that Figo didn’t announce his retirement immediately after that match.”
Jason said: “The greatest utility squad player that has ever played the game!!!!!! Good luck, Sheasy!”
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Liam lamented: “Man was a utility bench player and was genuinely better than most of our starting defence and midfield now. Eesh.”
However it wasn’t only O’Shea’s better moments that were doing the rounds.
Fans also remembered one of the worst ever attempts at goal when O’Shea tried to score from range but only managed to boot the ball out for a throw-in on the far side of the pitch.