John O'Shea has admitted he would move on from Man Utd if he was not part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
United's unsung hero hails Ferguson's approach
John O'Shea has admitted he would move on from Manchester United if he was not part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
The versatile Republic of Ireland international is one of the unsung heroes of the Old Trafford squad and is always willing to fill in wherever required, having appeared across the back four and in midfield.
O'Shea has been guaranteed a starting place in the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona where he will slot in at right-back with Gary Neville still injured and youngster Rafael not experienced enough for such a showpiece occasion.
He has already made 53 appearances for the Old Trafford club this season but claims that if he was no longer involved then it would be time to call it a day with the Red Devils.
Rewarded
"I would never stay at a club just for the sake of winning a medal," he said. "If I felt I wasn't playing a part I would leave. That has always been the case.
"I know Roy Keane's said that 20 games for United is better than 40 anywhere else but I don't buy into that idea.
"As a footballer, you want to play as often as you can, no matter what club you are at.
"You could say I have been rewarded for my patience. But whether you are playing a bit part or a bigger part I was always confident, if I got a run in the team, I could show I could stay in it."
O'Shea believes that Ferguson has mastered the art of keeping his sizeable squad happy, and knows that to chase glory on several fronts then two players are required for every position on the field.
Best in the business
"I have always had a good relationship with the manager," he added. "It is difficult to keep everyone happy but being successful is a key.
"If you are winning things it makes it slightly easier when you are left out at certain stages.
"Look at the size of squads at big clubs in Europe now. You can't win things with 11 players. The teams who will be successful will have between 18 and 22.
"It's the man-management side that does it," he said.
"He makes you feel involved. He might come around and say 'You are not playing tomorrow but you are playing on Wednesday week and I want you ready for that game'.
"It is those little things that make him the best in the business."
