Fit-again defender John O’Shea says Manchester United will be hoping to avoid the injury problems that cost them their Premier League title to Chelsea last year (United 5/2 – Premier League outright).
O’Shea missed much of the last season with a thigh problem and was one of a number of defensive injuries that affected United during a dark December month which saw them lose to both Aston Villa and Fulham, two defeats that eventually proved crucial at the end of the season.
During that time, Sir Alex Ferguson was without key men Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic as well as Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and the Da Silva twins, Rafael and Fabio.
This crisis also coincided with an injury to goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar which meant he was forced to pair midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in the heart of the defence with the unfortunate Ben Foster between the sticks.
O’Shea said: “Injuries were a key factor last season and we hope to avoid them this time around. I can never remember so many defenders being injured.
“But we still got so close to retaining the title – only a few lapses of concentration let us down in the end. Now we are all hungry to succeed again.”
United are currently on tour in America and have been regularly training in heat of 30 degrees Celsius. However, O’Shea is not fazed by the heat and insists it will benefit the side come the first weekend of the season.
“It is hard but not as hard as it was in years gone by, mind you,” said the Republic of Ireland international.
“It is more personalised now, which is down to the sports science staff. A good pre-season is so important.”
The Red Devils are currently stationed in Pennsylvania and are due to face a new MLS side on Wednesday night.
Ferguson will have to decide whether or not to risk winger Nani in the match and is expected to field a similar side to the one which won 3-1 against Celtic on Saturday due to the continued absence of a number of first-team regulars because of the extended break after the World Cup.
United start their campaign on Monday 16 August at home against Newcastle as they aim to achieve their fourth title in five years (United 1/5 – 90 minutes).
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