John O'Shea has laughed off 'the circus' which has surrounded Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks.
When Portugal winger Ronaldo played a part in helping England striker Rooney get sent off in a World Cup quarter-final, it sparked a raging debate the duo would never be able to play together again for United.
Nothing could be further from the truth as far as O'Shea is concerned as he insists there is a unified front at Old Trafford, as the club look to dethrone Chelsea as Premiership kings.
'There have been no problems between Wayne and Ronaldo,' said O'Shea as he prepared for Ireland's friendly with Holland at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday.
'It's actually been quite funny at times the circus that has gone on.
'Obviously, they weren't team-mates at the time, they were trying to do their best for their countries.
'But they're back now, they're team-mates again and they are looking forward to the season starting.'
Far from Ronaldo being sold, as many expected - in particular with Real Madrid mentioned as a potential destination - O'Shea believes the 21-year-old will prove an asset this season.
The Waterford man continued: 'Look at the way he has come back into training, and with some of the goals he has scored already in pre-season.
'It's just been fantastic to see him back in action and I feel he is going to be a big player for us this season, a major threat.
'I know he has been vilified, but so have other players over the years. The club are used to dealing with it.'
O'Shea is concerned Rooney will become a target this season after his dismissal in the World Cup which was followed by a red card in the recent Amsterdam tournament.
O'Shea added: 'It was a shocking decision.
'I couldn't believe it, and the television replays back that up a little bit. I guess it was just one of those things.
'But with his profile he is going to have to be wary because opposing teams and players are going to target him.
'But if you tell Wayne to change you are taking away half his game, and the club won't tell him to do that because he is one of the best players in the world.'
