Reds Eye Imposing Start

John O'Shea is calling for United to build on a first opening-day win for three seasons when the Reds travel to Turf Moor in midweek.

After last week's internationals, the domestic games now come thick and fast, giving the Reds and the rivals a chance to rack up the points.

"You don't want to be playing catch-up, even after only one game," O'Shea told MUTV. "Other teams are looking stronger now so it's important we stamp our authority early on in the season."

"We've opened the last two league seasons with draws so we're happy to have picked up three points against Birmingham. Now we move on with a tough game at Burnley."

O'Shea was an authority figure for United on Sunday, as he led the team out in the absence of Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand. Although he later handed the armband to half-time sub Ryan Giggs, the captaincy was still an honour for John.

"It was very special. I've done it in friendlies which is also nice, but to do it in a league game when it really matters, for the manager to have that faith in me, is something special and something I'll always cherish," said O'Shea.

The Irishman was the most experienced member of United's back four, but he had no qualms about the relative youngsters around him.

"I enjoyed playing alongside Jonny Evans at centre-back, we know each other very well as we're good friends off the pitch. So there wasn't going to be a problem there and behind us Ben Foster showed he's going to be a special keeper."

Foster's wonderful save to deny Birmingham sub Christian Benitez was perhaps more vital than it should have been - O'Shea admits to being anxious after the Reds missed several chances.

"It would have been nice to get the second goal, particularly in the first half because I think then you would have seen a more confident second-half performance. I think we let the edginess creep into our game in the second half and that encouraged Birmingham."

O'Shea didn't find fault with United's forwards for not killing the game; instead he backed match-winner Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen to score more as the season gets into full swing.

"Michael was unlucky with a couple of chances but I'm sure he'll get off the mark soon and, like Wayne, get his goals in runs. As for Wayne, I think pre-season was so important, for him to get that sharpness he needs. Once he's sharp, he's so hard to stop. I think his goal today will give him confidence and that can only benefit us."