John O’Shea: Ex-Man Utd defender once went in goal & stopped Robbie Keane scoring against him

Seeing an outfield player don a long-sleeved jersey, a pair of goalkeeping gloves and stand between the sticks is one of football’s more jovial amusements.

It is an important role and has in the past been bestowed upon the likes of Phil Jagielka, Rio Ferdinand and more recently Harry Kane. 

But 15 years ago to the date, Manchester United utility man John O’Shea was called upon to stand in between the sticks and put on one of the greatest ad-hoc goalkeeping performances we have ever seen. 

In 2007, the Red Devils obliterated Tottenham 4-0 at White Hart Lane to give them a six-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table. 

Despite their drubbing over Spurs, the game wasn’t all plain sailing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who lost first-choice goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar in the second half, after the Dutchman broke his nose in a clash with Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. 

At that point in the match, Ferguson had already used his three allocated substitutions, and ironically, O’Shea was the last of them, coming on in the 80th minute to replace Ryan Giggs. 

With the first-choice ‘keeper leaving the field, Rio Ferdinand initially tried to take on the responsibility of going in net, but it was the former Ireland captain, known for his versatility, having played in nearly every position for Man Utd, that would put on the gloves. 

And the 40-year-old didn’t once look out of place, showing off his exceptional handling skills and command of the penalty area and even stopping Robbie Keane, who broke through United’s defensive lines to go 1v1 on the goal. 

Throwback to when John O’Shea was forced to replace the injured Edwin van der Sar in goal for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney was absolutely loving it from the bench.