John O’Shea felt United’s grit and resolve came to the fore in
overcoming the stern challenge of Wigan Athletic on Wednesday
evening.
Goals in the final half-hour from Carlos Tevez and Michael
Carrick gave the Reds three precious points in the ongoing Premier
League title race, and Sheasy believes United showed the hallmark
of champions at the JJB Stadium.
“I thought we showed our commitment and our courage to go and
get the three points,” Sheasy told MUTV.
“Obviously a draw would not have been too bad either but you have
to be proud of how we kept going and with the chances we created. I
think we just about edged it.
“We have done that a few times this season but that is what the
club is all about, commitment and courage. The coaching staff as
well, to believe in what we are doing is right and we are getting
the rewards.”
With former Reds skipper Steve Bruce at the Latics’ helm, O’Shea
and his colleagues knew they would have to weather a storm at the
JJB, before a patient plan paid
dividends.
“People start thinking that Steve Bruce is going to do the
manager a favour but the way they played, they came at us like a
steam train and maybe, could have been two nil up before we had a
decent chance,” he said.
“We did miss quite a few good chances in the first half as well
so we could have gone in level. So we felt at half-time that if we
got one goal we would definitely go on to win the game.
“The way Wigan set out their team with five in midfield we knew
that if we kept possession well eventually they would get tired and
gaps would open up and that is exactly what happened for the
winning goal. The gaps appeared and we took advantage of it.”
The come-from-behind victory – United’s third in just under six
weeks – brought the Premier League title to within a point of a
third consecutive stint at Old Trafford, and O’Shea is relishing
the chance to seal it against Arsenal this weekend.
“We are nearly there but Arsenal would like nothing more than
trying to spoil our party,” he said. “It would be nice to do it at
Old Trafford in front of our fans.”
“I thought we showed our commitment and our courage to go and
get the three points. You have to be proud of how we kept going…
That is what the club is all about, commitment and courage.”
- John O’Shea