“Always minimum 7/10.”
Rio Ferdinand explained why the mindset of former Republic of Ireland international, John O’Shea, was so different, and how he will be a great asset to Wayne Rooney’s coaching staff.
Rooney has recently accepted the job as Birmingham City manager, and has brought on the ex Ireland defender as part of the backroom team to help him.
Speaking about his appointment, the former Man United striker explained why he wanted to bring O’Shea in.
“I want to win, I think it’s as simple as that. To win, there are a lot of factors that need to take place.
“It’s the reason why I have brought the coaching staff that I have brought with me. Obviously, John O’Shea, I have played with him, I know his mentality and he has worked in the Championship before.”
O’Shea won a heap of trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, and although he didn’t always have a starring role in the team, there was always a place for him on big moments.
During the Manchester United’s My Perfect Player series Ferdinand highlighted one key attribute that his old teammate possessed that made him so vital to the team.
“In terms of mindset, someone who would go under the radar is someone like Sheasy.
“To play the role Sheasy played, he came in and played in numerous positions, always minimum 7/10. Always solid. Sometimes he’d come out from the cold.
“He’d train every day, never miss training. The mindset and mentality to be that guy, the value he had in our squad. Someone like Sheasy.”
Owen Hargreaves echoes this statement, and named a few other united stars who were able to come in when called upon and perform straight away.
“That’s what made that team so great. As much as the starting 11 was great, you had Sheasy, Fletch, Wes, Ji-Sung, five or six guys who you could pop in.
“They didn’t play for a month and you’d be guaranteed they’d give you 7/10 or 8/10.
“I think that’s the thing about United for me, the mentality. It’s just in the blood.”
Related links:
- Roy Keane has perfect ‘Kermit sipping tea’ moment when discussing Liverpool
- John O’Shea reminisces over Luis Figo nutmeg 20 years on
- Roy Keane on what it would take to return to management
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