John O’Shea
John O’Shea is one of Ireland’s most respected footballers, best remembered for his versatility and leadership
at Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland. A dependable defender and occasional midfielder, he was part
of United’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning every major English trophy and the UEFA Champions League.
Known for his professionalism, he also had a lengthy career with Sunderland and Reading before moving into coaching.
Stats Dashboard
⚽ Career Goals: 15
🧢 Career Appearances: 680+
🎯 Republic of Ireland: 118 Caps | 3 Goals
🏆 5x Premier League Champion
Club Career
Manchester United (1999–2011)
🏆 Premier League: 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11
🏆 FA Cup: 2003–04
🏆 Football League Cup: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
🏆 FA Community Shield: 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010
🏆 UEFA Champions League: 2007–08
🏆 FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
🥈 UEFA Champions League Runner-up: 2008–09, 2010–11
🥈 FA Cup Runner-up: 2004–05, 2006–07
Sunderland (2011–2018)
- Club captain, helped avoid relegation in multiple seasons
🥈 EFL Cup Runner-up: 2013–14
Reading (2018–2019)
- Finished career as player-coach
Republic of Ireland National Team
🇮🇪 118 Caps | 3 Goals
🏆 Represented at UEFA Euro 2012 & 2016
🥈 FIFA U-20 World Cup Bronze Medal: 1997
Individual Awards
🏅 FAI Senior International Player of the Year: 2014
🏅 Freedom of Waterford City: 2018
Managerial Career
Reading (Coach) (2019)
Republic of Ireland (Assistant) (2020–2023)
Republic of Ireland (Interim Manager) (2023)
Style of Play
O’Shea was renowned for his versatility, being able to play as a centre-back, full-back, or even as a midfielder.
His composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness made him a valuable squad player at Manchester United.
He famously scored a chip against Arsenal at Highbury in 2005 and even deputised as a goalkeeper once for United,
underlining his adaptability.
Milestone Badges
5x Premier League Champion
UEFA Champions League Winner
Republic of Ireland Centurion
FAI Player of the Year
Club World Cup Winner
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