I think the biggest criticism of O'Shea and Brown was that they're past-it and surplus to requirements. You've picked up SAF's old rope at the end of their careers but you're right in that they could offer a lot to any team outside the top 4. Obertan is only 22 and never got a look in thanks to the likes of Nani and Valencia so it's a far more exciting, albeit just as risky, signing.
Really fair point mate ....however O'Shea played something like 28 games for Man Utd last season so for me a player signed who has the experiance he has over a young 22 year old 3 million pound player who has barely ever kicked a ball in anger for Utd would not fill be with as much excitment...everyone to there own I suppose...we seem to adding oldies to the squad Bellamy the next one they are saying ....a knob but a good player all the same.