Tottenham vs United - trailer

Manchester United defender John O'Shea admits his disappointment at failing to hold down a permanent first-team place at Old Trafford will be a small price to pay for another Barclays Premiership winner's medal at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Irishman has predominantly figured as a late substitute for Sir Alex Ferguson's men during this campaign and after starting in the Wednesday win over Watford, he could well find himself back on the bench for the trip to Tottenham.

Yet O'Shea acknowledges it is precisely the spirit engendered by a fully-fit and thriving squad which has sent his side six points clear of Chelsea and looking strong bets to reclaim their title.

O'Shea said: ``It is obviously frustrating when you are not playing week in, week out but that is the case when everyone is fit and you are top of the league. The manager has big decisions to make and when you get your chance you have got to take it.

``Everyone is chomping at the bit to get into the team. In the last couple of seasons we have had vital players missing for months but this season we have coped with everything that has been thrown at us and you can see we are enjoying it.''

United head to White Hart Lane with striker Louis Saha back in contention following a knee injury and knowing it is crucial for them to improve a recent record on their travels which reads four points from their last four games.

It is particularly imperative with potentially difficult away trips to the likes of Stamford Bridge and Anfield and a derby against City still to come this season, while Chelsea boast a relatively easier run-in.

But O'Shea insisted Chelsea's result is the last thing on the minds of the United dressing room as they focus on simply maintaining and if possible extending their lead for as long as possible.

O'Shea added: ``We are just looking at ourselves and we know it is going to be a tough game on Sunday and we have got tough games to come. But with the form we are in we are feeling very positive at the moment.

``You know what games are coming up and how difficult they are but we keep thinking after each game that that is another game down. Last time we won the league we went to these places and won these games, and that is what we have to do now.''

Tottenham defender Ricardo Rocha believes United have proven themselves as a great team by bouncing back in style from when he helped Benfica defeat them in the Champions League.

United's defeat in Portugal last season was the low point of a miserable European campaign but they have regrouped and are top of the Barclays Premiership.

Rocha is in line for a Premiership debut when United travel to White Hart Lane, with Martin Jol's defensive options limited by Ledley King's foot injury which has ruled the captain out for another six to eight weeks.

Spurs have not beaten United since 2001 but Rocha has tasted victory over Ferguson's men recently, even if he was only a late substitute last season.

``United were not very good that season and it was important for us because we had to win, and we did,'' said the 28-year-old Portugal defender. ``They have proven since then they are a great team and they are in a great moment - good teams are like this.''

King's injury means Rocha may not have time to adapt to the pace of English football, but he is relishing the chance to show the physical side of his game.

``I try to get the ball but not hurt anybody on purpose,'' he added. ``If I touch the opponent I'll say 'Sorry, I'm just doing my work'.''

Rocha is determined to make up for his mistake that allowed Jeremie Aliadiere to score on Wednesday in the Carling Cup semi-final.

He will be up against a familiar face, with Spurs' defence looking to cope with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Premiership's in-form player. Rocha knows him well from international duty with Portugal.

``He's unpredictable and can do amazing things,'' said Rocha. ``It's very difficult to stop him. I have to put pressure on him, not let him take the ball because if he does he's difficult to stop. You always have to have your eye on him.''