While speaking on talkSPORT the former Manchester United defender claimed that the team’s defensive problems will not stand in the way of a top-four finish this season.
The 20 times league champions finished in an embarrassing seventh place last season the worst they have ever done in the Premiership leading to the sacking of manager David Moyes after only ten months in charge.
United went and appointed Dutch national team coach Louis van Gaal as manager and so far things are looking up after a summer of big money signings United is currently fourth behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton.
There have however been some problems at the back as was witnessed in their 5-3 loss to newly promoted Leicester City , yet former Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea does not think it will be a problem once the team establishes a regular back-four.
“I think they’ve just been very unfortunate with injures, and consistency for a back-four is very important.
“If Jonny Evans stays fit he’ll be crucial for them, he’s a very good player, he talks and organises the defence.
“If they’re chopping and changing, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and the new signings as well, they can’t get a run of games together, and consistency is the key for any team aiming for the top-four.
“A lot of people have been talking about the team’s experience as well, and with losing Rio [Ferdinand], Vida [Nemanja Vidic] and Patrice [Evra] it was always going to be tough for them this season.
“But it isn’t a question of personnel, I think they have the players there to get to the top four, without a doubt, so once they get their defence sorted I am sure they’ll be fine.”
