WHEN JOHNNY GOES TRUNDLING DOWN THE WING

John O'Shea is not daunted by the prospect of facing extra competition for a place in Manchester United's starting line-up this season.

The return to fitness of Gabriel Heinze, signing of £18.6million Michael Carrick and the likelihood of at least one more midfielder before the transfer deadline closes on August 31 leaves O'Shea facing up to the possibility of being squeezed out.

"I am sure the manager is trying to get a few more players in before the deadline. It all adds to the competition but we need that.

"Every season since I have been at Old Trafford there have been players signed in my position, and other players coming in. I look forward to it. It's the type of challenge you have to face at a top club.

"When a new player arrives, you up your game, which is something the manager wants to see and lifts the tempo in the squad, and normally the results are positive."