John O’Shea has announced, on his 38th birthday, that he is to retire from professional football.
The former Republic of Ireland international, who amassed 118 caps for his country, is with Championship side Reading and was on the bench for the Emirates FA Cup tie against the Royals at Old Trafford in January.
Reading conclude their campaign with a home game against Birmingham City on Sunday.
O’Shea, a versatile defender, played in all positions for United, including in goal towards the end of a fine win at Tottenham in February 2007, when Edwin van der Sar was injured.
]He also appeared up front as an emergency striker on a few occasions, including one home game against his future club Reading.
In total, he won five Premier League titles with the Reds after coming through the ranks.
He also helped the Reds win the FA Cup, two League Cups, four Community Shields and, in 2008, the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
A loyal servant under Sir Alex Ferguson, he was allowed to link up with ex-Reds skipper Steve Bruce at Sunderland in 2011, and was a regular for seven seasons at the Stadium of Light before heading south to Reading last year.