A Manchester United legend will temporarily assume the helm of a European national team

Former Manchester United footballer John O'Shea has been appointed as the interim head coach of the Irish national team, as announced by the local Football Association.

The 42-year-old O'Shea will lead his country's senior squad in two friendly matches against Belgium and Switzerland in March.

In the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Ireland had a disappointing campaign, finishing fourth in their qualifying group. Following their failure to qualify for the Euros, the Irish FA decided to part ways with then-head coach Stephen Kenny.

O'Shea is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he played from 1999 to 2011. During his tenure with the Red Devils, the Irishman appeared in 256 matches and scored 10 goals. For the Irish national team, the former defender featured in 118 matches, scoring 3 goals.

After retiring from professional football, O'Shea has been involved in coaching, serving in the coaching staff of the Irish youth national team and Birmingham City.