‘Specific reasons for Manchester United's recent resurgence are tricky to pinpoint. Juan Sebastian Veron's growing midfield influence might have something to do with it. One or two long-awaited goals from Diego Forlan haven't harmed either.
Then there is the situation at the back where the less charitable among us could highlight the day Laurent Blanc's calf injury forced Sir Alex Ferguson to rejig his defence. The Frenchman hobbled off during the 5-3 victory over Newcastle and, coincidence or not, United haven't looked back since. On the crest of a seven-match winning run now, improvement has been underpinned by a defensive unit that looks much happier under pressure and certainly less brittle than it did only a month back.
During this period one player has been asked to play right across the line. Right-back, centre-half, left-back - John O'Shea has done it all and done most of it well to come out the other side with his reputation not only intact but also significantly enhanced.’