'They Don't HATE Us Anymore'

When you win the title there is a certain amount of baggage that comes with it ... no-one likes you. And John O'Shea United to be 'the most hated team in England'.

O'Shea: 'It's fair to say that Chelsea have taken our place as the most hated team in England.

'When they had their little blip a few weeks back, people were jumping on it and seemed pleased that they were having a few problems. That's the way it was with us for a long time and we want to get back to that as quickly as possible.

'People have criticised their style of play and I can see why they would do that. This is an entertainment business and possibly the fans would prefer to watch a side like Arsenal or United.

'I know some supporters just want success in whatever way they can get it, but if a new manager came into United and played in the Chelsea style, there would be grumblings from some sections of the Old Trafford crowd.

'They would be asking what has happened to the attacking United style, but Chelsea are winning at the moment and you have to give them credit for that.

'Chelsea's consistency is fantastic. They are a defending unit from front to back. Mourinho's team works their socks off from start to finish and when you throw in that they have some great players, it means they are a very tough side to get around.

'Still, we proved that they are beatable this season and maybe others will have a bit more belief against them now after Middlesbrough beat them a few weeks back. I think teams are scared of Chelsea, as if they are beaten before they go out to play against them and that has made their life easier.

'Keano often criticised me and the other players, but from my perspective, I always listened to what he said and tried to take something from it.

'I never felt he was picking on me and criticising me more just because I was Irish or anything like that.

'I had a great relationship with him when he was at United and I still speak with him on the phone the odd time now.'

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