Manchester United defender John O'Shea celebrates ten years as a senior player at Old Trafford this week.

O'Shea made his United debut in October 1999 in a League Cup defeat at Aston Villa.

"I don't want to look back on my Manchester United career," he said. "Fingers crossed there is lots more to come. I knew if I was going to leave United I would have a great grounding. The education was terrific, not only in terms of football, but maturing as a person.

"But when you look back, I guess everything has worked out okay so far. Long may it continue."

Official confirmation of O'Shea's longevity came when Sir Alex Ferguson handed the 28-year-old the captain's armband for the opening game of this season against Birmingham.

"It worries me," joked O'Shea. "I used to think I was quite young. Obviously you know the years are ticking by because of the age of the lads coming into the squad and the amount of games you have played.

"I have been fortunate enough to be captain as well. You know you are maturing and getting that bit older."