O'Shea: A Dream Situation

John O'Shea is excited by the quality United have at their disposal as they enter the business end of the season.

Such was the ease with which the Reds saw off Newcastle on Saturday, it is easy to forget the starting line-up was markedly different from that which took on Lyon in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson rotated four of his forward six after the Champions League draw against the French champions, leaving Owen Hargreaves, Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park out of his squad entirely.

But it made little difference as United cruised to a 5-1 victory – and O’Shea believes this strength in depth could be key to the Reds’ chances of glory on three fronts.

The Irishman, who replaced an ill Patrice Evra at half-time at St James’ Park, told MUTV: “It’s a dream situation. About this time last season we picked up a few injuries and the squad was quite bare, but this year it’s been fantastic.

“The manager can keep his side fresh, changing one or two things around without really affecting how the team is playing, which is ideal because there are games coming up thick and fast in the league and Champions League.

“The manager has faith in the quality of his squad and we have to repay that by winning trophies.”

The manner in which United took Kevin Keegan’s side apart delighted O’Shea and further erased memories of the disappointing derby defeat against Manchester City.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were sensational on Tyneside, scoring twice apiece as Newcastle were routed for the second time in as many months.

“They’ll be glad to see the back of us this season,” said O’Shea. “We have so many great players that if we create that many chances, and things fall for us, there are going to be scorelines like that.

“We can never play as badly again as we did against City.”

Ronaldo’s brace at St James’ Park took his season’s tally to 29, while Rooney has now hit eight goals in eight league games against the Magpies.

“I’m sure Wayne would like to play Newcastle every week!” O’Shea added. “He puts in so much effort every week that the rewards were always going to come for him.

“And Ronaldo is top of the scoring charts now. It’s an amazing achievement but he just wants the team to do well.”