The result, thanks to a goal from Carlos Tevez that is sure to provoke controversy, kept the Hammers up much to the delight of their traveling fans, but the home support were more interested in serenading Alex Ferguson and his side on the ninth title of his reign as manager.

The congratulations were well deserved. At a time when Chelsea was throwing money at every walking superstar of the modern game last summer Ferguson went about his business in a quiet and dignified manner.

Instead of chasing the likes of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, Ferguson strengthened his squad with players like Vidic and Carrack and loan star Henrik Larsson, players who know how to perform in the trenches.

As a result of his shrewd business in the transfer market United were able to cope with the injury crisis that came their way this season. Chelsea, for all their superstars, weren’t.

Key to United success this season was the contribution of one John O’Shea, who will play his 49th game of the campaign in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at the new Wembley.

Immediately after that game O’Shea will fly out to New York to join the Irish team for their two-game tour and the games against Ecuador and Bolivia.

Instead of taking a well earned break after another season of honest endeavor, O’Shea will cross the Atlantic to do his country proud as always, but this time there will be a difference. This time John O’Shea will travel for the first time as Irish captain.

The absence through injury of Robbie Keane and Shay Given means O’Shea will skipper his country for the first time when Ireland take to the field at Giants Stadium next Wednesday.

Manager Stephen Staunton has handed him the armband ahead of Kevin Kilbane simply because O’Shea is a better long term bet, and also as a reward for his performances in the green over the past 12 months.

Not that everyone is happy with the decision. One caller to the Newstalk radio channel the other night offered to shoot himself he was so aghast at the news, but thankfully the presenter Ken Earley actually applauded Staunton’s decision making.

I agree with Ken for what it is worth. I don’t subscribe to the theory that O’Shea has nothing to offer the Premiership or the national team. And it looks like I’m in fairly good company in this instance.

Alex Ferguson’s thoughts on O’Shea are well documented, and if actions speak louder than words then his decision to play the Waterford man almost 50 times this season says all he needs to say.

John O’Shea deserves better than the rhetoric of the terraces because he is one of Ireland’s most cultured footballers, in many ways a modern day David O’Leary.

When Brian Kerr needed a stop gap central midfielder who did he turn to? John O’Shea.

When Alex Ferguson needed a stop gap left-back who did he turn to? John O’Shea.

When Stephen Staunton needed to move Steve Finnan to left-back against Wales who did he ask to fill in on the right? John O’Shea.

When Ireland’s FAS squad need leadership and experience in America who will they turn to? John O’Shea.

There is clearly something wrong when grown men with the footballing brains of Kerr, Ferguson and Staunton can place their trust in the 26-year-old from Waterford, but the ordinary football fan can’t.

Why has O’Shea been demonized over the past two years? Part of it, no doubt, is down to the fact that he plays for Manchester United. His lack of spectacular success with club or country in that period has played into the hands of the ABUs (Anyone But United).

Part of it is down to the fact that when he plays well he makes it look easy with that laid back style so that, conversely, when he plays poorly the aforementioned laid back style looks clumsy and disinterested.

A lot of it is down to the facts that O’Shea set himself such high standards when he first broke into the United and Ireland teams that anything less opens the door to derision.

John O’Shea is a bloody good footballer. That’s why every club in England wanted his signature at a time in his life when his parents insisted, and rightly so, that he finish his education before signing away his future to football.

His only problem for Ireland has been a lack of consistency and a lack of real support in the trenches around him.

So let’s give credit where credit is due and applaud O’Shea’s appointment as caretaker captain of Ireland as they de-part for America. It is deserved.