Manchester Uniteds John OShea and Wayne Rooney are hoping for
three points this Christmas against Sunderland, at the expense of a
day at home with the family.
Sir Alex Fergusons players will be allowed the morning to spend
with their families on Tuesday, but in the afternoon they will be
expected at the training ground.
The United players will be monitored closely to ensure they do not
over indulge on Christmas pud, as the title begins to hot up.
OShea believes a smaller potion of Christmas dinner is a small
price to pay though.
He told the clubs official television station, "You can have a
small bit of Christmas dinner but not too much!
"The manager makes sure the players look after themselves and
prepare for the Boxing Day match in a professional manner. So we
cant enjoy Christmas Day perhaps as much as other people but
thats a small price to pay for playing at a club like
United."
Rooney agrees with OShea, as he does not see it as a chore, but as
a pleasure.
He said, "You couldnt have as big a portion as everybody else but
apart from that, it's still a normal Christmas dinner with your
family.
"Then you have to leave for the hotel. I imagine that's harder for
the older players with kids. But at the moment its fine for me
personally - Im just going out to play football which I love doing
so Ive no problem with being away at Christmas."