O'Shea sets sights on Champions League place

Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand is still not quite fully fit, which is likely to mean another chance for John O’Shea at the heart of the United defence in the make or break Champions League qualifying tie against Hungarian minnows Zalaegerszegi on Tuesday.

The Irish international has impressed alongside Laurent Blanc, helping Ferguson out of a difficult situation given his defensive injury worries.

Whether he will find a place for Juan Sebastian Veron is another matter.

The Argentina skipper has undisputed talent, but the feeling persists that his style of play does not fit in with the fluent, speedy nature of United’s title-winning teams.

And, having produced their best form of the fledgling campaign without Veron, Ferguson will leave himself open to some serious questioning if he opts to bring the player back.

Meanwhile, Phil Neville has vowed he will not listen to the critics who question his place in the Manchester United defence.

The Old Trafford outfit face a make or break Champions League qualifying tie against Hungarian minnows Zalaegerszegi on Tuesday, with Neville set to continue in the problem right-back role.

With brother Gary three weeks away from a return after his broken foot and Wes Brown out with a broken ankle, Neville must find the form which turned him into an England international.

The early signs were not good and the 25-year-old was widely blamed for Bela Koplarovics’ last-minute strike which leaves United needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit to reach the group stages of the competition.

Neville appeared to be caught out of position by a routine free-kick, allowing Tamas Szamos the space from which he crossed for the Hungarian champions’ shock winner.

“I should have dealt with the free-kick but I am getting used to the criticism now,” Neville told MUTV.

“I know the slightest thing I do will get highlighted and criticised.

“But actually I was quite pleased with my performance in that game and I need to continue that.

“Gary will be back soon and I need to be in top form so the manager has a problem who to pick.”

By that time, manager Alex Ferguson may have another defender to choose from.

Ferguson and chief executive Peter Kenyon are due in Paris today for talks with Rennes full-back Julien Escude which it is hoped will result in a transfer being concluded tomorrow.

Neville was part of the United side which twice came from behind in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Friday.

For the first time this season, the Red Devils showed the kind of form which brought them seven titles in 10 Premiership seasons.

It was not perfect, and goalkeeper Roy Carroll earned the ire of Ferguson for trying to release Ryan Giggs with a quick throw in the last minute of the opening period.

Instead, the Northern Irish international only found an opponent, giving Chelsea the chance to launch the attack which ended with Boudewijn Zenden handing the Londoners their half-time advantage.

Ryan Giggs levelled, as David Beckham had done earlier, putting United in good heart for a game the England skipper admits they have to win.

“Manchester United should be in the Champions League,” he said.

“Our minds are firmly focussed on that game now, it’s so important that we win it.”

What Beckham will not be wanting to hear is a dressing room cry not to concede an early goal.

As devastating as that would be, he is starting to notice an uncomfortable coincidence between the demand and the outcome, especially after William Gallas’ third-minute opener at Stamford Bridge.

“Every time we say ‘let’s get off to a good start’, we always get off to a bad one,” said Beckham.

“Hopefully no-one will say it on Wednesday.”