O’SHEA I’m hoping to go down the managerial route and I’m jealous of Ole and the players and club he has...what an opportunity for him UNITED STALWART (NOW A READING DEFENDER) READY FOR ONE LAST HURRAH AT OLD TRAFFORD

JOHN O’SHEA covered every blade of grass in Old Trafford and knows today could be his last hurrah at the famous stadium.

The 37-year-old Reading centre-back spent 13 happy years with Manchester United, playing in every position – including striker and even goalkeeper against Tottenham ( far right).

O’shea won five Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and two League Cups as a Red Devil, as well as many of his 118 caps for Ireland.

But in the twilight of his playing days at the Madejski Stadium, O’shea is already casting an envious eye at former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the Norwegian interim boss has brought joy, style and goals back to the Theatre of Dreams. And with Royals defender O’shea looking to move into coaching, he would love nothing more one day than to have a role at United. Solskjaer gave an 18-year-old O’shea one of the best moments of his life as a youth player – cheering his winner from behind the goal at the Nou Camp in the 1999 Champions League final. Now O’shea (left) is looking to help pull off a shock and give Solskjaer a first defeat at the United helm. Ahead of this lunchtime’s FA Cup third-round clash, he said: “The treble year was my first one there, for the final the club had brought over the youth team and reserves.

“They took us to the game, along with club staff from the canteen and we were behind the goal when Ole scored – on the second level up. It was incredible.

“It doesn’t surprise me how Ole is doing. As a player he had intelligence and professionalism, the reasons he was able to cope with different positions.

“He was always ready when called by the manager and had a great attitude around the place and treated people with respect.

“There were many personal highlights of my time at United. My first Premier League was