John O’Shea has admitted he still regrets leaving Manchester United .
The 35-year-old won five titles at Old Trafford in a collection of 15 trophies, but quit for Sunderland five years ago after more than 250 appearances.
O’Shea headed to the Stadium of Light in search of regular football, and had helped Sunderland survive in the Premier League.
He has pledged to play on for as long as possible, and as he prepared for a return to Old Trafford on Boxing Day he said: “Should I have stayed at United longer? Yes. I have thought that a few times.
“I had a year left on my contract and we always said over the years that I could leave if the manager thought I wasn’t going to get enough football to keep me happy.
“At the time I thought I was going to guarantee myself a lot more football if I went away from United. But it wasn’t an easy decision, that’s for sure.
“I hope it won’t be my last trip there. I’m fit and well and want to play on. Thankfully throughout my career I’ve rarely had to have a long spell out or had major operations.
“I’m looking to play as long as possible. I was fairly confident when I left United that I would still be playing now because of the way I have looked after myself and done the right things through my career.
“I have some excellent examples at United,from people maintaining their careers.”
O’Shea will relish running out at Old Trafford again, adding: “It’s always a special day for me. They have hit a little bit of form recently, but when you go there you do get a chance to play.
“You have to express yourself. We have to be brave enough to get on the ball, which we’ve been doing in away games. We’ve been causing team’s problems. as you will when you have Victor Anichebe and Jermain Defoe.
“It’s a shame Adnan can’t play against United because he has full fitness now and showed glimpses of what he can do against Watford. He could be a big player for us in the second part of the season.”
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O’Shea visited homeless charity Centrepoint in Sunderland delivering food parcels donated by fans and the club this week.
Boss David Moyes will return to his former club for the first time, and has given his defence double training sessions.
O’Shea said: “I want to start every game, but you have to be patient.
Lamine Kone and and Papa Djilobodji have done well together and we’ve got results, but the manager knows I’m ready and willing to step whenever he wants me.
“We’ve been in for extra training sessions.”