Fergie wary of wily Sheringham

ALEX FERGUSON does not have to look too far to see where the main threat to his side lies today — the sight of Teddy Sheringham strutting into Old Trafford will be enough.

Critics suggested Sheringham's best days were behind him when Ferguson snapped him up from Tottenham in 1997.

Not only did he put those rumours to rest with his outstanding contribution to United's treble triumph two years later, Sheringham has even managed to impress since returning to Spurs last summer.

The legs, which were never that quick anyway, may have lost another half a yard but the veteran England World Cup man retains the most astute of footballing brains.

Sheringham's current Spurs deal is due to run out at the end of the season, but he said yesterday: "I want to play at least another year. I want to play as long as I can." Although manager Glenn Hoddle would clearly like to grant Sheringham an extension of his contract, Sheringham's future will be in the hands of Spurs' financiers just as it was with United's power-brokers at Old Trafford two years ago.

Sheringham has already played a pivotal role in Spurs' unexpected rise to second in the table and with the arrival of Robbie Keane injecting speed into the Tottenham front-line, even

Ferguson admits United's defence could be in for a difficult afternoon.

"Teddy was a fantastic player for us," said the United boss. "We were fortunate to have him at the very peak of his career and his contribution the year we won the treble was terrific.

"He has been in great form this season. Robbie Keane can be a handful as well. We have some work to do ensuring they don't get any joy against us." Ruud van Nistelrooy has managed just one league goal in open play since March but, having netted along with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Diego Forlan on Wednesday, Ferguson is confident normal service will soon be resumed. "Over the first few games of the season the cutting edge was lacking. In training they have been doing really well and they looked far more clinical on Wednesday. If we had been as clinical as that in other matches we would have been at the top of the league now."