O’Shea says the charm is back in Cup

JOHN O’SHEA feels the romance has returned to the FA Cup but is glad Manchester United did not provide the ultimate fairytale.

Even Alex Ferguson was gracious enough to admit the holders did not advance to the fourth round with any degree of style at humble St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

But as the Scot pointed out so vigorously in the aftermath of the Old Trafford humiliation against Exeter two weeks ago, at least his team are still in the competition.

The same cannot be said of top flight big boys Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool, whose defeat at Burnley on Tuesday must have sent a shiver down United’s spines as they watched in their south-west hotel.

It is that kind of result O’Shea feels is contributing to the competition’s revival and while Exeter’s exploits will live long in the memory, the Irishman is content that United eventually avoided a catastrophic exit.

“The shocks seem to have brought a bit of romance back to the FA Cup.

“Watching Liverpool lose on Tuesday was just a reminder of what can happen and while we were always confident of winning last night with the team we put out, we had a few scary moments along the way.

“We could have done with getting a second a lot earlier than we did but we never seem to do things the easy way. The main thing is we got through.”

Middlesbrough at home on January 29 will present United with some different problems as the Teesiders have proved difficult opponents to beat since former Old Trafford assistant Steve McClaren took charge.

Boro have registered a win over United in each of the three seasons before this one and while Alex Ferguson’s men emerged comfortable 2-0 winners at the Riverside on New Year’s Day, it took a late Alan Smith header to salvage a draw in the first encounter three months ago.

“Middlesbrough have quite a good record at our place,” said Gary Neville. “Steve McClaren seems to know how to play against us.

“We did well against them a couple of weeks ago but they are one of the best six to eight sides in the Premiership and we are anticipating a very difficult tie.”

Neville was returning from a month-long seven game absence on Wednesday having finally managed to shake off a virus.

With Ryan Giggs also back after a slight hamstring problem and Louis Saha, Quinton Fortune and O’Shea confirming their return to fitness after recent injury worries, Ferguson’s squad is starting to get its depth back.

Only Ruud van Nistelrooy remains sidelined for any serious length of time as United head into an intense fortnight that sees them entertain Aston Villa on Saturday before key Carling Cup and Premiership clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal sandwich the Middlesbrough clash.

“We are fighting on all four fronts and it looks like a great two weeks ahead,” said Neville.

“Hopefully we will have the likes of Roy Keane back on Saturday, but I know I am happy to be playing again, even if centre-half isn’t the best in terms of developing your fitness.”

Neville is seriously concerned about regaining his preferred right-back slot as brother Phil has deputised superbly and has played a major role in United’s current record run of eight successive clean sheets.

“It will be very difficult to get back in at right-back,” admitted Neville.

“Phil has come in and done really well. I watched the Liverpool game on TV last week and thought he was outstanding. He never lets anyone down, no matter where he plays. Left-back, right-back or central midfield, he always earns his corn.”