Manchester United - John O'Shea

Arguably United’s most versatile player, John O'Shea - who has made over 300 appearances - has played everywhere during his time at Old Trafford. But wherever he plays, United’s no.22 is happy to contribute to the team.

What’s more, the Irishman signed a contract in November 2007 that will keep him at the club until 2012. He said of his new deal: “It has never crossed my mind to leave. Luckily the club wanted me to stay and it was sorted out quickly.”

A shining example of selflessness and professionalism, John has been ever-willing in his service for United, ever since his first full season in 2002/03 when he was was a revelation at left-back. He raced up and down the wing, effortlessly picking the pockets of opponents who ran at him and cheekily nutmegging those who tried to stop him (remember Luis Figo?).

O'Shea has always been a footballing defender, blessed with beautiful balance, crisp passing and formidable upper-body strength, which enables him to slip effortlessly into midfield and anywhere across the back four.

In 2004/05 he played in all those positions, and in the following season he began to establish himself in the holding role in midfield – forming anunlikely but extremely effective partnership with Ryan Giggs that was the basis of United’s late-season surge. The Irish international continued where he'd left off at the start of the 2006/07 campaign, but soon had his chances limited by the burgeoning midfield partnership between Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.

He still went on to make 49 appearances (including a cameo between the posts at White Hart Lane) and chipped in with five goals, the most memorable of which came in dramatic circumstances at Anfield as he swept home an injury-time winner in front of the Kop, a key goal in regaining the Premier League title.

More recently, O'Shea featured prominently as United's defence sent records tumbling during the 2008/09 campaign. The Irishman, started 11 games and made two substitute appearances as the Reds created a Premier League record of 14 successive clean sheets. John's reward for becoming a cornerstone of the defence was a starting berth in the Champions League final against Barcelona.

PROFILE:Birthdate: 30 Apr 1981
Birthplace: Waterford, Ireland
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Appearances: 357
Goals: 15
Joined United: 03 Aug 1998
United Debut: 13 Oct 1999 v Aston Villa (A)
International Rep of Ireland