UNITED: NO QUICK RETURN FOR O’SHEA

Manchester United has revealed that John O’Shea could still be another 2 months away from making a return to the first team.

O’Shea picked up a thigh injury during the Republic of ireland’s World Cup qualifier against France in November. Originally, it was though that the player had suffered nothing more serious than a dead leg, but on returning to Old Trafford, United officials found that blood had congealed in his muscle, raising the possibility of further problems.

His loss has been keenly felt as United have been forced to employ midfielders in defence with the likes of Brown, Evans, Vidic and Ferdinand also having been injured at the same time.

O’Shea’s ability to play across the back four would have been invaluable, although the recent return of Brown and Vidic has seen the club win both their Festive fixtures so far, scoring 8 goals in the process.

His absence will also have come as a blow to Concave as O’Shea had only recently switched to the Concave PT+ and an extended run in the first team would have provided first rate publicity.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said:

There is no sign at all of recovery for John.

We just want to get him back but it could be a couple of months yet. He is a big loss because he is such a versatile player.