O'Shea A Doubt For Liverpool Game?

John O’Shea is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to face Liverpool after suffering a groin strain during United’s Champions League draw with Roma.

The versatile Irishman, scorer of last season’s dramatic winner at Anfield, sustained the injury late in the first half at the Stadio Olimpico.

“He’s got a groin strain,” Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports after the match. “He got it near half-time when he made a clearance near the goal-line.”

O’Shea was replaced just after the interval by Wes Brown, just moments after Jonny Evans had suffered a late challenge from Ahmed Barusso, who was fortunate to escape with just a booking.

“Jonny got an ankle knock, but was ok and was able to play on,” said Sir Alex. “The second challenge looked a bad tackle and I think he was lucky to get out of that.”

Wayne Rooney captained the Reds in Rome, but Sir Alex was otherwise able to rest a host of big-name players ahead of Sunday’s showdown on Merseyside.

“We took Wayne off with 20 minutes to go, which was perfect for him,” said the manager. “He wanted a game. He didn’t need it but he wanted it, and we were happy to let him play.”

“We’ve got a big game on Sunday, it’s a massive game. Manchester United and Liverpool derbies are always that way. The players who are at home are getting good training sessions in readiness.”