O’Shea thought Blues score was ‘wind-up’

WHEN Wes Brown told goalscoring hero John O’Shea that Manchester United were on the verge of seizing control in the title battle, the Waterford man thought it was a wind-up.

After applying the killer touch across at Anfield in February, O’Shea launched United’s devastating revival against the blue half of Merseyside when he bundled home a loose ball after Iain Turner dropped Michael Carrick’s corner at his feet.

Yet, even when Phil Neville had blasted into his own net, Wayne Rooney had smoothly converted his 23rd goal of the campaign and debutant Chris Eagles had completed an amazing turnaround in a game where United had fallen two behind, O’Shea did not believe the result would be of such significance.

“When we got the fourth, Wes turned to me and said Chelsea were drawing with Bolton,” said O’Shea.

“I honestly thought he was winding me up. At the time, you are not concerned about it but when the result was confirmed in the dressing room afterwards, it did give us a little extra boost.”

With three games still to play, including a trip to Stamford Bridge on May 9, no-one at Old Trafford has started crowing just yet.

“At half-time, we were scratching our heads wondering if it was going to be one of those days,” he said.

“The manager told us we would still create chances but when they got another, you think maybe we should move on.

“But this team and these players have the spirit and the courage.”

United’s treble bid takes them to Milan Wednesday night.

“It is a great time to be a United player,” added O’Shea. “You realise what the lads have gone through in the past.”