John O'Shea was named Manchester United captain on Sunday but is under no illusions to how long that might last. The Republic of Ireland international, 28, was given the armband in the 1-0 win over Birmingham due to the absence of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville through injury.

"It is a huge honour to captain Manchester United, " he said.

"It is nice to do it in pre-season but to be captain for the first game of a new season is something I will always cherish."

"Manchester United have such a big squad, you know there will be times when you are not playing," he added.

"There are probably only a handful of lads who know, if they are fit, they will play.

"Even halfway down the Premier League, competition is fierce. Most squads have 11 or 12 internationals so you just have to cope with it the best way you can."