John O'Shea was named United captain on Sunday but knows his place in the side will soon come under threat.
Stand-in skipper happy with squad rotation
John O'Shea was named Manchester United captain on Sunday but knows his place in the side will come under threat soon enough.
The Republic of Ireland international, 28, was given the armband in the 1-0 win over Birmingham due to the absence of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville through injury.
It was the first time O'Shea had taken on the role in a competitive match for the club and he says it is something he will never forget.
"It is a huge honour to captain Manchester United," he said.
"It is nice to do it in pre-season but to be captain for the first game of a new season is something I will always cherish."
Squad
O'Shea knows, however, that he is likely to spend time on the bench later on this season when Sir Alex Ferguson's defensive injury crisis begins to ease.
"Manchester United have such a big squad, you know there will be times when you are not playing," he said.
"There are probably only a handful of lads who know, if they are fit, they will play.
"Even halfway down the Premier League, competition is fierce. Most squads have 11 or 12 internationals so you just have to cope with it the best way you can."
