Twenty-five years since Sheringham’s debut

Although he was aged 31 when he signed for United, Sheringham was one of those strikers who matured and got even better. He also had the confidence to handle being viewed as a replacement for Cantona, the undoubted catalyst to our period of domestic dominance, and managed to achieve something the fabulous Frenchman could not manage in helping Alex Ferguson’s side lift Europe’s biggest prize.

“I can’t think of any better player to replace Cantona,” said chairman Martin Edwards at the press conference, refusing to duck the obvious question.

“They are slightly different in style but it is one big name out and one big name in.”

Sheringham was also asked about his ability to fill the void left by the fans’ idol.

“I’m sure people will start making comparisons between me and Eric,” he admitted. “But I can only play my own game and hope it will be good enough for Manchester United.”

History tells us that it most certainly was.